Houthi militants launch drone and missile attacks in Yemen and Saudi Arabia

Between August 14 and 15, 2026, Houthi rebels launched a series of military strikes, escalating regional tensions. The militants conducted a drone attack against Saudi Aramco facilities in Najran, Saudi Arabia, claiming it was retaliation for Yemeni airspace violations. Simultaneously, the group launched over 25 missiles at the Red Sea port of Mocha, which is controlled by the internationally recognized Yemeni government. Reports indicate that at least seven people were killed, with significant damage estimated at approximately $16 million.

While the Saudi government and Aramco have not yet confirmed the extent of the damage in Najran, local authorities in Yemen reported that five to six ballistic missiles struck commercial vessels at the port of Mocha, causing two ships to catch fire. The Houthi rebels claimed they targeted military infrastructure and mercenaries, whereas Yemeni officials stated the attacks hit civilian, economic, and naval installations. This escalation follows the breakdown of the 2022 ceasefire, raising international concerns about maritime security near the Bab al-Mandeb strait.

Following the attacks, the port of Mocha has suspended all commercial and shipping activities. Authorities are currently assessing the impact of the strikes while regional powers evaluate their response to the renewed hostilities, which represent the most significant military flare-up since the ceasefire concluded.