According to military spokesperson Yahya Saree, the Saudi Arabian Air Force launched 28 airstrikes targeting the Yemeni governorates of Taiz, Al-Jawf, and Marib within a 24-hour period, utilizing F-15 and Typhoon jets dispatched from Khamis Mushait and Taif air bases, as reported by AFP on Monday, September 21, 2026.
Military Escalation in Taiz, Al-Jawf, and Marib
The recent aerial bombardments mark a sharp intensification in the renewed civil war between Houthi forces and the Saudi-backed Yemeni government. According to military spokesperson Yahya Saree, the Saudi Air Force carried out 28 strikes using F-15 and Typhoon aircraft operating out of Khamis Mushait and Taif air bases. Additional coverage notes that these operations specifically targeted three distinct Yemeni governorates simultaneously.
This air campaign directly follows an incident on Saturday, September 19, 2026. According to the Saudi-led coalition, Houthi forces fired a ballistic missile toward Riyadh at dawn, an event that coincided with a reported fire near the international airport in the Saudi capital.
Control of the Bab al-Mandab Strait and Red Sea Shipping
The current military friction builds upon a strategic territorial shift earlier in the month. According to AFP reporting, Houthi forces launched a rapid offensive to secure the entirety of Yemen’s Red Sea coastline. This push granted the group effective control over the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a critical maritime corridor for global trade.
Despite establishing this choke point, the group has maintained specific rules of passage. Houthi leadership insists that navigation through the strait remains open and free for all international vessels, with the sole exception of Saudi-owned or Saudi-flagged ships. It is noted that while Saudi oil exports through the strait have dropped since July due to ongoing hostilities, at least five loaded tankers managed to navigate the passage within a single recent week.
Did you know? According to United Nations data, renewed fighting in Yemen has displaced more than 112,000 people, while nearly 3,000 other people have fled across the sea to Djibouti.
Divergent Diplomatic Stances and International Reactions
The regional crisis has drawn distinct diplomatic responses from Western powers. U.S. President Donald Trump told reporter Trey Yingst in an AFP interview on Sunday, September 20, 2026, that Washington maintains open communication channels with the Houthi movement. Trump claimed the group agreed not to target U.S. assets.
This diplomatic posture contrasts with pressure from Riyadh. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman placed two phone calls to Trump on Thursday, September 10, 2026, demanding direct U.S. military intervention against Houthi positions. President Trump rejected the request for direct strikes, offering intelligence support and target-selection assistance instead.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian toll inside Yemen continues to mount. According to United Nations figures, 17 million people faced food insecurity in 2025, with one million other individuals experiencing extreme hunger conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who launched the recent airstrikes in Yemen?
According to Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree, the Saudi Arabian Air Force launched 28 airstrikes using F-15 and Typhoon jets.
Which Yemeni governorates were targeted by the Saudi Air Force?
The airstrikes struck Taiz, Al-Jawf, and Marib.
What caused the recent escalation between the Saudi-led coalition and the Houthi movement?
According to the Saudi-led coalition, the air campaign followed a dawn ballistic missile attack directed at Riyadh on September 19, 2026.
Who controls the Bab al-Mandab Strait?
According to AFP, Houthi forces seized Yemen’s Red Sea coastline earlier in the month, securing control over the strategic maritime strait.
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