SANAA — Fighting has intensified along Yemen's western Red Sea coast between Saudi-backed government forces and Houthi rebels, with the Iranian-backed group expanding cross-border strikes on Saudi oil facilities and airports.
The conflict began in late 2014 when the Houthis seized the capital, Sanaa, forcing the internationally recognized government to flee. Saudi Arabia led a military coalition intervention beginning in March 2015 to restore the government and counter Houthi advances.
The western Red Sea coast controls access to the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a critical chokepoint for oil tankers and commercial vessels transiting to and from the Suez Canal. Control of this coastline has made it a key strategic battleground throughout the conflict.
Houthi drone and missile attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure have disrupted energy supplies and raised concerns about regional stability. The strikes have targeted both civilian and economic installations across the kingdom.
The United Nations has repeatedly called for de-escalation, citing a severe humanitarian crisis in Yemen. Millions of Yemenis face food insecurity and displacement from years of fighting and economic collapse.
