Houthis Attack Saudi Sharurah Base as Fighting With Yemen Government Forces Escalates
On Sunday, Houthi fighters announced they had launched drones and missiles at a military installation in southern Saudi Arabia, amid escalating clashes with Yemen's government forces that are displacing an increasing number of civilians. Yahya Saree, the Houthi military spokesman, stated on social media that the assault on the Sharurah base aimed at weapons depots and command centers involved in what he termed aggression against the Houthi nation. No specific date for the attack was provided. This week has seen heightened fighting between the Iran-aligned Houthis and Yemeni government forces, supported by Riyadh. Additionally, Yemen's military reported three airstrikes targeting Houthi positions in the Taiz region. Axios revealed that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had contacted US President Donald Trump twice last week to request strikes against the Houthis, which were declined.
Key facts
- Houthi fighters said on Sunday they used drones and missiles to attack a military base in southern Saudi Arabia.
- Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said the attack on the southern Sharurah base targeted weapons depots and command and control centres.
- The date of the Houthi operation was not specified.
- Clashes increased this week between the Iran-allied Houthis and Yemeni government forces backed by Riyadh.
- On Saturday, government forces said they struck Houthi fighters in the Red Sea city of Mocha and later attacked other Houthi positions in the southwest.
- Yemen's military said on Sunday its air force carried out three air strikes on Houthi positions and barracks in the Taiz region.
- The Houthis have cemented their hold on the Bab el-Mandab Strait, a key route for oil exports after Iran's Hormuz blockade.
- Axios reported that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman twice called US President Donald Trump last week to request strikes on the Houthis, but the request was rejected.
Entities
Artists
- Yahya Saree
- Donald Trump
- Mohammed bin Salman
Institutions
- Houthis
- Yemeni government forces
- Axios
- Reuters
- Houthi movement
- Saudi-led military coalition
Locations
- Saudi Arabia
- Yemen
- Sharurah
- Bab el-Mandab Strait
- Iran
- Hormuz
- Mocha
- Taiz
- United States
- Sanaa
- Abha
- Red Sea
- Strait of Hormuz