Fighting between Yemen’s internationally recognised government and Houthi forces has intensified, as Saudi Arabia seeks additional missile-defence support from regional and Western allies. The United States has reiterated its backing for the Yemeni government while continuing to monitor the conflict, according to Al Jazeera.
Yemeni government forces said the Saudi-led coalition struck Houthi positions near the southwestern port city of Mocha. The government’s army also reported drone attacks against Houthi forces in northern Marib province. The claims were reported by Al Jazeera from statements issued by Yemen’s government forces.
Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said Saudi aircraft had carried out 40 air strikes over 24 hours in Taiz, Marib and Hodeidah provinces. The Houthis said they responded by targeting Khamis Mushait airbase and an oil facility in Yanbu, a Saudi Red Sea port city. These claims were reported by Al Jazeera, which did not provide independent verification of the battlefield accounts.
The Houthis also claimed that they had shot down a Saudi F-15 fighter jet over Marib using what they described as a locally made surface-to-air missile. Al Jazeera’s Yemen correspondent, Yousef Mawry, said a confirmed loss of Saudi aircraft could affect Riyadh’s ability to conduct air raids, but the report did not establish whether the claim had been independently verified.
Saudi Arabia has asked France, Pakistan, Egypt and the United Kingdom to deploy air-defence support, according to two officials cited by the Associated Press. The officials said Saudi Arabia was running low on missile interceptors. The source text also said the United States had seen its own interceptor stocks dwindle during the war with Iran.
At the same time, three sources cited by Reuters said US officials held direct talks with Houthi representatives at the US embassy in Muscat, with Omani assistance. The sources said the Houthis told US officials they did not intend to attack US vessels and remained committed to a 2025 ceasefire with Washington. US officials have not been described as taking a direct combat role in the fighting.