RismadarVoice Reporters
September 17, 2026
Fighting has intensified between Yemen’s internationally recognised government, backed by a Saudi-led coalition, and Houthi forces, with both sides reporting fresh air and drone attacks as Saudi Arabia seeks additional missile defence support from international partners.
Yemeni government forces said the Saudi-led coalition carried out strikes against Houthi positions and equipment around the southwestern port city of Mocha, while government troops launched drone attacks against Houthi forces in northern Marib province.
The Houthis, meanwhile, claimed they shot down a Saudi F-15 fighter aircraft over Marib using a locally manufactured surface-to-air missile. The claim has not been independently confirmed.
The group released footage showing fighters around the wreckage of an aircraft carrying markings consistent with a Saudi flag, although the exact location and circumstances surrounding the footage could not be independently verified.
Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree also claimed Saudi aircraft conducted about 40 strikes across Taiz, Marib and Hodeidah provinces within 24 hours.
The Houthis said they responded by targeting the Khamis Mushait airbase in Saudi Arabia and an oil facility in the Red Sea port city of Yanbu. Independent confirmation of the reported strikes was not immediately available.
SAUDI ARABIA SEEKS AIR-DEFENCE SUPPORT
Amid the escalation, Saudi Arabia has reportedly approached regional and Western allies for additional air-defence assistance as its supply of missile interceptors comes under pressure.
Saudi authorities were reported to have sought assistance from France, Pakistan, Egypt and the United Kingdom to strengthen defences against Houthi missile and drone attacks.
The United States has reiterated its support for Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s internationally recognised government but has not announced direct participation in the latest fighting.
US Central Command said it was closely monitoring developments and noted Washington’s longstanding military relationship with Saudi Arabia.
US, HOUTHI REPRESENTATIVES HOLD TALKS
Despite supporting the Saudi-backed government, American officials reportedly held direct discussions with Houthi representatives in Oman last weekend.
The talks were said to have taken place at the US embassy in Muscat with assistance from the Omani government.
During the discussions, Houthi representatives reportedly told US officials that the group did not intend to attack American vessels and remained committed to its 2025 ceasefire agreement with Washington.
At the same time, the United States reaffirmed diplomatic support for Yemen’s internationally recognised government.
US diplomat Neil Hop conveyed Washington’s position during discussions with Yemeni Foreign Minister Afrah al-Zouba, according to the US embassy.
The latest military escalation comes amid renewed concern over the security situation in Yemen and the wider Red Sea region, with missile, drone and air operations continuing across several areas.
