Houthis and Saudi Arabia trade strikes as Red Sea conflict escalates

In late July 2026, Yemen's Houthi rebels and Saudi Arabia exchanged fire, escalating tensions in the Red Sea region. The Houthis, who are backed by Iran, launched missiles and drones at southern Saudi Arabia, claiming retaliation for Saudi airstrikes on the port city of Hodeida. Saudi forces responded by striking Houthi targets, including energy sites, as the conflict drew in more actors and threatened global trade routes.