Saudi reports fresh Houthi attacks as France pledges to defend key oil port

Saudi Arabia intercepted multiple Houthi ballistic missiles on Thursday after issuing emergency warnings for several regions, including Mecca. The escalation coincides with France announcing plans to deploy military assets to protect the strategic Yanbu oil terminal from further attacks.

The interceptions occurred as fighting intensified between Houthi forces and Saudi-backed government troops across Yemen, with dozens of casualties reported on both sides according to multiple sources. The Saudi-led coalition confirmed that six ballistic missiles were intercepted, targeting the cities of Taif and Yanbu.

"Escalations and violations by the terrorist Houthi militia will be dealt with firmly."

The Saudi Civil Defence issued alerts for Mecca—home to Islam's holiest sites—as well as the Red Sea governorate of Yanbu and the regions of Taif, Jeddah, and Tabuk. The warnings were lifted within minutes, though recent alerts have typically preceded actual Houthi strikes.

Escalating Regional Conflict

The missile attacks represent the latest phase in a surge of Houthi hostilities that began in July, when a years-long truce collapsed and Yemen became entangled in the broader Middle East conflict. Since then, the Iranian-aligned Houthis have established a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia, striking tankers, coastal infrastructure, and controlling significant portions of Yemen's Red Sea coastline.

These territorial gains strengthen Iran and its regional allies' control over two critical waterways through which Saudi Arabia—the world's top crude exporter—and other Gulf nations transport oil and fuel products to international markets.

Regional Dimensions

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian rejected assertions of direct Iranian command over Houthi military operations. In a statement to Fox News, Pezeshkian emphasized Houthi autonomy, stating that resistance groups in the region act based on circumstances imposed upon them rather than following orders from Tehran.

France's commitment to bolster Saudi defences at Yanbu signals growing international concern over the disruption to regional security and global energy supplies. The situation reflects how Yemen's internal conflict has become increasingly intertwined with broader geopolitical rivalries across the Middle East.