Houthi rebels have captured key positions near the Red Sea, threatening the Bab el-Mandeb shipping route, while drone attacks blamed on Iran-backed Iraqi militias have forced Saudi Arabia to shut down its major East-West oil pipeline. Iran also continues to threaten shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
🚨 BREAKING: The Houthis just lost a big chunk of the CENTER of Yemen.
Al-Bayda one of their strongholds in the middle of the country is falling to the official government.
Yemeni forces have taken control of al-Zahir and are pushing into the next town NOW. pic.twitter.com/Z9zdh0qY7u
— Dr.Hotha🇸🇦د.هوذة (@HothaAli) September 11, 2026
The attacks are hurting Saudi oil exports and putting its economic plans at risk, reports Politico. Riyadh must choose between stronger military action, which could trigger further attacks, and diplomacy with the Houthis and Iran. Uncertainty over U.S. support adds to the challenge as Washington remains heavily engaged in the region.
The escalating threats, reports Al Jazeera, could also test the Mecca Pact between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye, with Pakistan and Türkiye potentially providing air-defense, intelligence and diplomatic support to Saudi Arabia.
