Arab War Alert Escalates: Yemen Joins Saudi Arabia to Strike Houthis
The internationally recognised government of Yemen has stated it is ready to face any form of escalation with the Iran-backed Houthi group. The statement came amid rising tensions following drone attacks and a maritime blockade targeting Saudi Arabia.
The developments have triggered fears of a renewed major conflict on the Arabian Peninsula. It is worth noting that the Middle East is currently also gripped by several other conflicts, including Israel’s attacks on Palestine and the war between the United States and Iran.
“We are prepared to face any escalation,” Yemen’s Foreign Minister Afrah al-Zouba told journalists in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as quoted by Reuters on Tuesday (28/7/2026).
“Yemen is bracing for a possible deterioration in the security situation as Houthi military activity increases,” she added.
The statement was made just hours after the Houthis claimed to have launched a new drone attack targeting Saudi oil infrastructure. The attack was described as retaliation for drone operations conducted by the Saudi side against the group.
Furthermore, al-Zouba assessed that the Houthis are attempting to imitate Iran’s strategy in the Strait of Hormuz by extending their influence over the Bab el-Mandeb strait, a strategic shipping route connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. The Houthis had previously closed the sea lane, which is vital for Saudi energy access.
“The Houthis want to imitate Iran’s experience in Hormuz,” she said, describing the move as consistent with the pattern of escalation long pursued by Tehran in the region.
“They think they can take control of the Red Sea,” she said, warning that control of the route could disrupt one of the world’s most important trade and energy shipping routes.
Last week, the Houthis announced a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia and claimed to have attacked tankers and oil facilities belonging to the kingdom. The move heightened concerns over global energy supply security, as the Bab el-Mandeb strait is the main export route for Saudi oil to international markets.
Fragile Security
Domestically, al-Zouba said Yemen’s security situation was also becoming increasingly fragile. She said Houthi forces are engaged almost daily in small-scale clashes with government troops in various regions, keeping the risk of a wider conflict high.
Since 2015, a Saudi-led military coalition has supported the Yemeni government in fighting the Houthis. This latest wave of tension marks the first direct confrontation between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis in several years, and heightens the threat to the ceasefire reached in 2022, even though its term of validity has already expired.