Overview
- Yemeni military officials and footage from Houthi‑run Al Masirah confirm fresh launches of ballistic missiles and uncrewed aerial vehicles targeting Al‑Makha, with the military saying its air defences intercepted several drones.
- Houthi spokesmen said they aimed at Saudi troop concentrations and weapon depots, a claim that Reuters and other outlets report but that independent verification has not confirmed.
- Authorities say residential neighbourhoods in Al‑Makha were hit and that an earlier strike in the port area killed at least seven people and injured dozens, adding to local civilian harm and damage.
- Because Al‑Makha sits close to the Bab el‑Mandeb chokepoint, continued strikes could raise risks for commercial vessels using the Red Sea route even though there is no clear evidence yet of sustained disruption to maritime traffic.
- The attacks come against a backdrop of higher US–Iran tensions and diplomatic moves in Tehran and Washington, a mix of developments that could shape regional military planning and international efforts to protect shipping lanes.