Houthis Hit 2 Saudi Ships and Clash in Dhale, Raising Fears of War After 4-Year Lull
Updated
Updated · Al Jazeera English · Jul 27
Houthis Hit 2 Saudi Ships and Clash in Dhale, Raising Fears of War After 4-Year Lull
3 articles · Updated · Al Jazeera English · Jul 27
Summary
Two Saudi ships were struck by Houthi missiles and drones in the Red Sea on Wednesday, while fighting in Yemen’s Dhale governorate left more than 30 casualties on both sides.
The twin attacks mark a shift from mobilisation and threats to direct military action, with the Houthis saying the vessels violated their blockade and analysts warning the group is again seeking battlefield dominance.
Saudi-backed anti-Houthi forces are more coordinated than in earlier phases of the war, analysts said, with the Presidential Leadership Council less divided and tribal opposition emerging in al-Jawf.
Donald Trump warned of “major military punishment” for the Houthis and Iran if attacks recur, as experts said a sustained campaign against Saudi-linked shipping could spur new regional maritime and ground alliances.
The escalation threatens to end the quasi-peace that followed Yemen’s April 2022 truce, though analysts say any decisive shift still depends on whether anti-Houthi forces can turn improved unity into sustained military pressure.