Houthi Movement and Military Developments

The Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council has elevated military, security, and intelligence readiness to counter increased Houthi aggression and intensified efforts to combat smuggling networks. The council emphasized readiness to take initiative and warned that any new Houthi escalation will directly impact their leadership, capabilities, and funding sources. Concurrently, the government is enhancing control over ports and border crossings, cracking down on smuggling, and reinforcing coordination among military units, particularly in key conflict zones such as Taiz and the western coast.

The Houthi movement announced two drone attacks targeting a sensitive site at Najran Airport and an Aramco facility in southern Saudi Arabia. The military spokesperson, Yahya Sarea, stated the attacks successfully hit their targets and were conducted in response to alleged Saudi drone violations over Saada province. There has been no immediate official response from Saudi authorities regarding these claims.

Tariq Saleh, a member of Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council, stated that the introduction of drone aviation and upgrades to artillery, naval forces, and coast guards have shifted the battlefield advantage to government forces. He noted that recent Houthi attacks on the western coast, including over 56 ballistic missiles and 44 suicide drones targeting Al-Mokha, indicate the Houthis' and Iran's confusion and inability to engage in direct confrontation. Saleh described the ongoing conflict as decisive, anticipating eventual government restoration of state institutions and liberation of key areas like Hodeidah and Sanaa.

The Houthi movement fired five ballistic missiles targeting the Bab al-Mandab Strait in the southern Red Sea, escalating ongoing maritime and ground hostilities. The missiles were launched from areas near Ibb and Taiz provinces. This attack follows previous strikes that severely damaged Al-Mokha port, disrupting maritime traffic and causing casualties. Yemeni government forces responded with extensive military operations against Houthi positions. The escalation has led to civilian casualties, infrastructure damage, and protests by Yemeni sailors demanding international intervention to protect vital waterways.

The Yemeni army announced it carried out 181 military operations against Houthi positions within the past 24 hours, targeting firing sources and military capabilities across multiple fronts including Marib, Taiz, and Hudaydah. These strikes, executed using drones, artillery, and rocket launchers, resulted in dozens of Houthi casualties and the destruction of weapons depots and military equipment. The army emphasized its readiness to neutralize threats and protect civilians, attributing the operations to repeated Houthi attacks on civilian areas and infrastructure.

The Houthi militia has claimed responsibility for a missile attack on the Yemeni commercial ship 'Tihama' in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, alleging it was transporting Saudi military equipment. The attack resulted in six deaths and ten injuries, including crew members and rescue personnel. The vessel, reportedly carrying food supplies, suffered significant damage and fire. Yemeni authorities condemned the attack as a threat to maritime security and vital food supplies, urging international action to protect navigation and trade routes in the region.

The Houthi militia launched a drone attack on the Al-Aradi port in Bab al-Mandeb, a strategic maritime facility recently established by the National Resistance forces led by Tariq Saleh. The strike caused casualties among workers and damaged a supply ferry along with several small boats and ships docked at the port. The attack followed days of intense drone flights over Bab al-Mandeb and Mayyun Island, with government air defenses engaging the drones before one successfully struck the port early Tuesday. This incident marks a continued Houthi escalation targeting vital infrastructure and liberated coastal areas in Taiz governorate.

A Houthi missile attack on a commercial vessel in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait resulted in the deaths of three crew members, including two Pakistanis and one Indonesian. A second missile targeted rescue operations following the initial strike. The incident occurred amid repeated drone flights believed to be Houthi-operated near Bab al-Mandeb and Mayyun Island, which were intercepted by government anti-aircraft defenses. The UK Maritime Trade Operations has not yet issued any warnings or details regarding the attack.

In the early hours of Tuesday, Houthi militias targeted residential areas in Marib city and Al-Mokha city along with its port in western Taiz province using ballistic missiles and drones. Local residents reported explosions and air defense interceptions in Marib, while Al-Mokha experienced three missile strikes, including one on the port. Initial reports indicate missile launches originated from Hamza camp or Jabal Badan, with additional launches from eastern Taiz. The attacks caused uncertainty regarding casualties or damage.

The UN Special Envoy to Yemen, Hans Grundberg, expressed deep concern over recent Houthi attacks on Al-Mokha, which caused civilian and military casualties and damaged critical infrastructure, including the port. He warned that this unprecedented military escalation since the 2022 truce significantly raises the risk of a widespread conflict resuming in Yemen. Grundberg urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint, protect civilians and infrastructure, and engage in political dialogue to prevent further deterioration of the ceasefire achievements.

The Yemeni army conducted a military operation targeting Houthi militia members and equipment in response to recent Houthi attacks. Intense clashes occurred on multiple fronts, including the western coast near Al-Khokha and south of Al-Hudaydah, with government forces and allied resistance inflicting losses on the Houthis. The National Defense Council, led by Rashad Al-Alimi, held an emergency meeting to address the escalating conflict, ordering heightened military readiness and coordination. The escalation follows Houthi missile and drone strikes on military and civilian sites in Marib, Hadramawt, and Shabwa provinces, resulting in casualties among soldiers and civilians.

The Houthi militia launched fresh attacks on Marib and Al-Mokha, including drone strikes on a training camp in Al-Mokha used by National Resistance forces. Explosions were also heard in Sanaa. The assaults caused multiple explosions in Marib, hitting residential areas and IDP camps, resulting in at least two civilian deaths and 14 injuries. The Executive Unit for IDP Camps condemned the ballistic missile strikes on camps in Marib as violations of international humanitarian law. No casualty details have yet emerged from the Al-Mokha attack.

The Houthi movement conducted a large-scale military offensive using ballistic missiles and drones targeting multiple government military camps in Marib and Hadramout, resulting in approximately 45 government casualties. The attack, described as the largest escalation since a fragile UN-brokered ceasefire began, also hit emergency forces' camps and claimed destruction of enemy positions. Government forces reported material and human losses but have so far limited their response to defensive actions. The renewed violence raises concerns over the potential collapse of the ongoing ceasefire and a wider conflict resumption.

The Houthi militia launched a suicide boat attack on the Indian civilian cargo ship MSV FAIZE NOORE OLIYA 1451 in the Red Sea near Al-Mokha port, resulting in the ship's complete sinking. Yemeni Coast Guard and Navy forces successfully rescued all 14 crew members and brought them safely to port. The Yemeni Ministry of Transport condemned the attack as a terrorist act violating international maritime law and called on the international community to take firm action against repeated assaults threatening maritime security and global trade routes.

Yemeni government forces announced the assassination of military leader Osama Al-Radfani and his companions in Hadramout's Al-Abr district, with authorities identifying and pursuing the attackers. Concurrently, the Yemeni army thwarted a Houthi infiltration attempt near Taiz city, resulting in casualties among Houthi militants. Security agencies linked a recent assassination of a journalist in Hadramout to Houthi operatives. These incidents occur amid ongoing clashes between Yemeni government forces, backed by the Saudi-led coalition, and the Houthi movement.

A multinational naval defense alliance led by Saudi Arabia has been established to secure freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Bab al-Mandab Strait. The announcement followed a meeting of chiefs of staff from 43 countries discussing rising maritime threats, including attacks on commercial vessels and energy tankers. The alliance aims to enhance multilateral defense cooperation, protect maritime trade routes, and ensure energy supply security. Saudi Arabia will host the alliance's headquarters and lead its operations, with ongoing efforts to finalize its charter, organizational structure, and operational mechanisms.

The Yemeni Armed Forces have issued a warning to the Houthi movement against continuing to threaten security in the Red Sea, emphasizing their full combat readiness to maintain national sovereignty and stability. The military condemned Houthi attacks on commercial ships as linked to Iranian efforts to destabilize the region. Coordinating with the Saudi-led coalition, Yemeni forces are committed to protecting maritime navigation and combating Houthi terrorism. Despite ongoing Houthi aggression, Yemeni ports remain open to commercial shipping, with over 300 vessels entering key ports in the first half of 2026.

Recent airstrikes by the Yemeni armed forces targeting Houthi positions mark a significant shift after four years of stalemate under UN ceasefire efforts. The government views these operations as a new approach to confronting the Houthis, while many Yemenis in Houthi-controlled areas see them as a hopeful sign for ending the insurgency and restoring state authority. Increased military pressure follows the Houthis' regional escalation, including attacks on Red Sea navigation, intensifying internal dissent and potentially altering the conflict's balance.

The Houthi movement has intensified its military escalation in the Red Sea, including imposing a maritime blockade and targeting oil tankers, as part of a broader strategy to expand internal mobilization and enhance security readiness. This escalation follows a general mobilization campaign launched a month ago, aiming to build a permanent institutionalized force similar to Iran's Basij. The Houthis are increasing recruitment and ideological indoctrination across universities and government institutions, preparing for prolonged conflict while leveraging regional tensions to justify their actions and strengthen internal control.

The Yemeni government and the Saudi-led coalition have intensified military operations against Houthi forces, conducting airstrikes on Houthi positions in Marib and Al-Jawf provinces. These strikes targeted areas including Majzar and Al-Safra north of Marib, as well as Al-Jubah and Mahlia districts to the south. Concurrently, Yemeni military leadership held meetings to boost combat readiness and coordination among forces. The escalation follows Houthi attacks on a commercial vessel in the Red Sea, with government officials accusing the Houthis of undermining peace efforts and serving Iranian interests.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump warned the Houthi movement and Iran of significant military retaliation if attacks on Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea continue. Trump held Iran responsible, labeling the Houthis as Iranian proxies, and expressed disappointment over the Houthis' recent aggressive actions after a period of restraint. The Houthis claimed responsibility for targeting two Saudi oil tankers, citing a maritime blockade, while Saudi authorities confirmed a fire on one tanker but did not specify the attacker. Saudi Arabia condemned the Houthi maritime blockade declaration and called for international enforcement of UN resolutions.

The Houthi movement launched ballistic missile attacks targeting Saudi Aramco facilities in Yanbu and other sites in Jazan, amid intensified military operations in Yemen. Saudi-led coalition airstrikes hit key Houthi positions in Marib, Al-Jawf, Hodeidah, and Kamaran Island, aiming to degrade the group's military and naval capabilities. The escalation reflects a broader regional conflict involving Iran and Gulf tensions, with both sides exchanging strikes that threaten critical energy infrastructure and maritime navigation routes in the Red Sea.

Houthi militants have recently moved two rocket launcher platforms to Maqbanah district in western Taiz, near the Bab al-Mandeb strait, aiming to strengthen their missile capabilities. Technical teams have not yet completed installation. Maqbanah holds strategic importance due to its proximity to a key international maritime route and hosts military communication networks and weapons storage in mountainous tunnels. Concurrently, the Houthis have increased military reinforcements in Sharab al-Salam district and are establishing new positions in the Mukhlaf area, potentially preparing a new base amid ongoing military escalation.

On July 23, 2026, Houthi forces launched simultaneous and intense attacks on government military positions in the Al-Fakher, Al-Jab, and Betar fronts in northern Al-Dhalea province. The clashes resulted in the deaths of four government soldiers and injuries to ten others. Government forces repelled the assaults, inflicting heavier casualties on the Houthis, including 23 killed, among them two field commanders, and capturing seven militants. Reinforcements helped government troops prevent further Houthi advances and thwart multiple infiltration attempts.

US President Donald Trump warned the Houthi movement and Iran of significant military retaliation if attacks on Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea continue. Trump held Iran responsible, labeling the Houthis as Iranian proxies, and expressed disappointment over the Houthis' recent missile and drone strikes on two Saudi vessels. He recalled a previous US strike against the Houthis for similar actions and noted that the group had behaved responsibly until recently. The Houthis claimed the attacks were in response to a naval blockade.

In mid-July, Iran transported senior Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commanders, military advisors, and missile and drone equipment to Yemen to bolster Houthi capabilities. The shipment, initially destined for Sanaa but redirected to Hodeidah after an airstrike, included personnel and arms aimed at enhancing the Houthis' threat to Red Sea maritime navigation. This move follows escalating tensions and signals Tehran's continued support for the Houthis amid ongoing conflict with the internationally recognized Yemeni government and Saudi-led coalition.