The Saudi Arabia Houthi conflict: what is happening?

Yemen's Houthi rebel group backed bhai ram has been engaged in conflict Vidya Saudi led coalition for years.A UN brokered ceasefire in 2022 had brought a significant measure of peace to the situation however in July 2026 Houthis announced a new navel blocked against Saudi Arabia and began attacking Saudi vessel in the Red sea reigniting this long standing conflict.

This tension is also driven by the war in Gaza and the standoff involving Iran, Israel and the United States. Iran has imposed restriction on the strait of Hormuz forcing Saudi Arabia to route the majority of its oil shipments through the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab strait a strategic waterway over which the Houthis have gained control in September 2026 the Houthis launched drone and missile attacks targeting Saudi Aramco oil facilities Riyadh and military bases injuring more than 73 people Saudi Arabia has also carried out retaliatory airstrikes which are continuing on a daily basis.

What is the impact?

Oil supply: disruption to the oil transit route through the Baby el-Mandeb state gold increase pressure on global energy prices.

People of yamen: thousands have been displaced from their homes and the humanitarian crisis is intensifying.

Regional tension: Pakistan and Turkey have entered into defence agreements with Saudi Arabia raising the possibility that this war could escalate into a broader conflict.

Global shipping: international shipping companies are rerouting vessels due to the insecurity of Red Sea trade routes.

Locally this conflict is part of Yemens long standing civil war but it's impact now extends beyond the Middle East affecting the global economy and security.