Houthis claim drone and missile attack on Saudi air base

Yemen’s Houthi movement, Ansar Allah, has claimed responsibility for an attack involving drones and missiles targeting an air base in Saudi Arabia, adding to growing tensions along the region’s already volatile security front.

The group said its forces targeted an air base in Khamis Mushait, a strategically important area in southwestern Saudi Arabia. According to the Houthis, the facility is among Saudi Arabia’s major air bases and was struck as part of their latest military operation.

The claim has not been independently verified, and there was no immediate detailed confirmation from Saudi authorities regarding the reported attack, including whether the weapons reached their intended targets or caused casualties or damage.

The latest announcement comes amid a series of claims by the Houthis involving strategic locations and military assets in the region.

Houthis Claim Control of Red Sea Island

A day earlier, Ansar Allah had also claimed that it had taken control of Mayyun Island, a strategically located island in the Red Sea near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

Arab media reports said the claimed takeover could strengthen the Houthis’ position around one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints. The group has also claimed that its grip over Mayyun has strengthened its ability to monitor and influence activity around the Bab el-Mandeb.

The strategic waterway connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and is a major route for international shipping between Europe and Asia.

The Houthis have previously carried out or claimed attacks involving missiles and drones in the wider region, while Saudi Arabia has long been involved in Yemen’s conflict through its support for forces opposed to the movement.

Regional Tensions Remain High

Ansar Allah has also claimed the capture of a US-made armoured vehicle reportedly used by Saudi-backed forces, further highlighting the group’s claims of battlefield gains.

However, several of the latest battlefield claims remain subject to independent verification.

The developments come as concerns continue over the potential impact of renewed fighting on regional security and maritime trade. Any escalation around the Bab el-Mandeb or attacks targeting Saudi military infrastructure could further complicate an already fragile security situation.

For now, the latest claims by Ansar Allah remain unverified, but they underscore the continuing volatility surrounding Yemen, Saudi Arabia and the Red Sea.