More than 184,000 people have been driven from their homes in recent weeks by intensifying fighting in Yemen, according to United Nations figures. The surge in displacement accompanies a broad military escalation across multiple fronts between the Iran-backed Houthi movement and Yemen’s internationally recognized, Saudi-backed government.
Houthi Forces Launch Missile and Drone Attacks on Airports
Houthi forces attacked the international airport in Aden in southern Yemen using both ballistic missiles and explosive-laden drones, Yemen’s transport department reported. A missile landed near the runway shortly before a passenger flight from Cairo was scheduled to land. The flight was diverted to Jidda, and two planes on the tarmac were moved to prevent further damage. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree stated that the group also targeted King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and Abha international airport with drones and ballistic missiles, though Saudi authorities did not immediately confirm those strikes. Saree also claimed the group attacked a flybase in Khamis Mushait.
Saudi-Led Coalition Intercepts Ballistic Missiles Near Riyadh
The Saudi-led coalition backing Yemen’s government announced it intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile north of Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh. The coalition also tracked the launch platform to Houthi-controlled Sanaa with the intent to destroy it, and state television reported a separate missile intercepted near Khamis Mushait. Concurrently, it was reported that the coalition deployed 100 warplanes in dawn airstrikes as part of a major government offensive against Sanaa. Government forces confirmed they had carried out more than 1,000 attacks during the offensive.
Government Forces Launch Counteroffensive Along the Red Sea Coast
The current violence follows a major military push launched by Yemeni government forces, backed by Saudi air support, to secure the Red Sea coast. The offensive aims to wrest control of vital shipping routes through the Bab el-Mandeb strait and around the city of Mocha. The operation pushed Houthi forces out of areas they captured the previous month. It was reported that military sources claimed to have cut off Houthi supply lines to Mocha and recaptured the port city, though Houthi officials denied the claim. The Bab el-Mandeb strait has become a critical route for Saudi oil after USA and Israeli attacks on Iran led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Regional Alliances Shift Amid Middle East Escalation
NTNU professor Jo Jakobsen described the situation as “full war,” noting that the current conflict follows the collapse of a 2022 ceasefire that held until July. Jakobsen added that there is significant uncertainty regarding the situation in several areas and much remains unknown. Turkey, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia held an emergency meeting in Riyadh following an August mutual defense agreement that links NATO’s second-largest army and Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal with Saudi Arabia.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Conflict in Yemen
What triggered the latest escalation in Yemen?
Fighting intensified after Yemen’s government forces, backed by Saudi air power, launched a major offensive to retake territory captured by Houthi forces along the Red Sea coast and around the Bab el-Mandeb strait. The government is seeking to recover areas the Houthis took in September.
How many people have been displaced by the recent fighting?
United Nations figures show that 184,000 people have been driven from their homes over the recent weeks of renewed conflict.
Which international airports were targeted in the attacks?
Houthi forces targeted Aden International Airport with missiles and drones, while Houthi spokespersons claimed additional attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and Abha International Airport.
The previous civil war in Yemen began in 2014, with Saudi Arabia intervening in March 2015.
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