The US-Iran war: the Houthis' attacks on Saudi Arabia and the counteroffensive

Active · last development Oct 5: “Saudi-backed Yemeni forces expel the Houthis from several areas around key strait, officials say”

Since July 2026, Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels have turned their missiles and drones on Saudi Arabia, opening another front in the US-Iran war. After an airstrike blamed on the Saudi-led coalition stopped an Iranian flight from landing in Yemen's capital,[1] the Houthis declared a blockade of Saudi oil shipments through the Bab el-Mandeb [2] and began striking Saudi tankers, oil sites and cities.[3] In September they seized a stretch of the Red Sea coast at the strait in their biggest land grab in years,[4] and President Donald Trump declined Saudi requests for US strikes.[5] At the start of October, Saudi Arabia was planning a counteroffensive.[6]

Photo from Courthouse News Service, with Yemen, Saudi Arabia target Houthis in new campaign as war escalates (Sep 30), the story with the most independent sources this week.
What this arc covers

Yemen's Houthi rebels have escalated attacks on Saudi Arabia using missiles and drones, targeting airports and oil facilities. The campaign has widened regional tensions and disrupted Yemen's internal politics. In October 2026, Yemeni government forces backed by a Saudi-led air campaign launched a counteroffensive to retake Houthi-held territory, starting around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

Earliest story we hold Jul 13, 2026 · 46 stories · 182 independent sources (counted once each) · 84 days

Part ofHouthisSaudi ArabiaYemenIranDonald TrumpPakistanMohammed bin Salman Al SaudBab-el-Mandeb

Background

On July 13, 2026, an airstrike hit the runway of the airport in Sanaa, Yemen's capital, preventing an Iranian flight carrying a senior delegation of the Houthi rebels from landing. The Houthis blamed the Saudi-led coalition, and the strike set off a series of retaliatory attacks between them and Saudi Arabia that threatened a 2022 truce in Yemen's civil war.[1] On July 20, the Houthis announced an embargo on Saudi Arabia, a blockade of Saudi oil shipments through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait at the southern end of the Red Sea.[2] They then said they had hit two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea and fired a missile at the Saudi city of Jizan, as international oil prices topped $100 a barrel.[3]

Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused Iran of flying Revolutionary Guard members into Yemen, and sources described commanders, advisers and missile and drone equipment arriving days before the blockade was announced.[7] Saudi Arabia also said it shot down drones fired by Iran-backed militias in Iraq.[8] In August, the Houthis killed at least six people, four of them crew members, in a missile attack on a ship in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and renewed attacks on the government-held port of Mokha.[9]

In early September, the Houthis launched a ground offensive along Yemen's west coast, and the death toll from the fighting climbed past 300 within days.[10] The clashes shattered a four-year truce in the civil war as the Houthis fired into Saudi Arabia; Iran denied involvement.[11] The rebels seized the coast along the strait, and Saudi Arabia accused them of targeting Mecca, calling it a "red line."[4] Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman called Trump twice to urge US strikes on the Houthis, and Trump declined.[5] US officials met Houthi representatives in Oman days after the rebels seized the coast.[12] The United Nations migration agency said at least 112,000 people had been displaced inside Yemen in two weeks and nearly 3,000 had fled by sea to Djibouti.[13]

Saudi Arabia confirmed that the Houthis had tried to strike its capital with a ballistic missile.[14] France said it would send troops, radar and air defenses to protect Saudi Arabia's Yanbu oil hub, while Britain provided a tanker plane to refuel Saudi warplanes.[15] On October 1, the Saudi-led coalition said the Houthis had struck an electricity station supplying the Prophet's Mosque in Medina.[6] The next day, US officials said Saudi Arabia and Yemeni government forces were planning a major counteroffensive to push the Houthis back from the Red Sea coast.[6]

Supporting stories (15)
  1. A blocked Iranian flight to Yemen set off Houthis’ latest spiral with Saudi Arabia
  2. A new threat by Yemen's Houthis could widen the Iran war and put another trade chokepoint at risk
  3. Houthis claim attack on Saudi oil refinery as Iran war widens to Red Sea
  4. Saudi Arabia accuses Houthis of targeting Mecca, warns of 'red line'
  5. Saudi crown prince sought US military help from Trump with Houthis, sources say
  6. Yemen, Saudi Arabia target Houthis in new campaign as war escalates
  7. Exclusive-Iran flew IRGC commanders, missile gear to Yemen's Houthis, sources say
  8. Exclusive-Yemen's Houthis are attacking Saudi Arabia from Iraq, sources say
  9. Houthi attack on port kills four eroding truce with Yemen’s government
  10. More than 140 killed in latest Yemen clashes: military sources
  11. Houthis target Saudi base as Iran denies involvement in Yemen war
  12. Trump declines to back Saudi Arabia as US officials reportedly meet Iran-backed Houthis in Oman
  13. Yemen conflict displaces 112,000 people inside country, thousands flee to Djibouti, UN migration agency says
  14. Despite military might, Saudi struggles to crush the Houthis
  15. France to Deploy Forces to Protect Saudi Red Sea Oil Port

Overview updated Oct 3, 2026

Part of The US-Iran war

  1. Strikes and their immediate aftermathJan 9 – Oct 1, 2026
  2. Ceasefire and peace negotiationsJan 12 – Oct 1, 2026
  3. Passage through the Strait of HormuzFeb 17 – Oct 4, 2026
  4. Israel's 2026 war with Hezbollah and its first direct talks with LebanonFeb 23 – Sep 17, 2026
  5. Congress's war powers votes and the fight over the warFeb 28 – Sep 25, 2026
  6. Oil prices, gas prices and the market falloutFeb 28 – Oct 5, 2026
  7. the Houthis' attacks on Saudi Arabia and the counteroffensiveThis arcJul 13 – Oct 5, 2026
  8. The plot at RAF Fairford, Iran's role and the US bombers' withdrawalSep 27 – Oct 5, 2026
Show remaining 5 arcs
  1. Militia attacks on US troops in the Middle East and the Jordan drone strikeOct 18, 2023 – Dec 17, 2024
  2. Iran and Israel's first direct strikes on each other, in April and October 2024Apr 1 – Nov 13, 2024
  3. Trump's 2025 nuclear talks with IranFeb 7 – Nov 16, 2025
  4. The 12-day Israel-Iran war of June 2025 and the US strikes on Iran's nuclear sitesJun 12 – Jul 11, 2025
  5. Iran's leadership losses, succession and protestsDec 29, 2025 – Sep 2, 2026

Where it standsnewest first · each bar runs left to right by leaning

Oct 5– 6Saudi-backed Yemeni forces expel the Houthis from several areas around key strait, officials say23 articles · 19 independent sources
2 left, 6 center, 4 right
Oct 5Yemen, Saudi Arabia strike Houthis as counteroffensive gets underway3 articles · 3 independent sources
0 left, 0 center, 1 right
Oct 3– 5Iran war live: Yemen fighting intensifies; Tehran says ready for US attacks3 articles · 1 independent sources

Key momentsthe most covered; every story is below

  1. Jul 20 – 23A new threat by Yemen's Houthis could widen the Iran war and put another trade chokepoint at risk85 articles · 39 independent sources
    1. Jul 20Houthis announce maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia
    2. Jul 21A new threat by Yemen’s Houthis could widen the Iran war and put another trade chokepoint at risk
    3. Jul 21Houthis Enter the Chat. Yemen Proclaims 'Embargo' of Red Sea Shipping From Saudi Arabia
    4. Jul 21Only lean-right coverage:Trump warns Houthi rebels not to block Red Sea ports and grapples with Hezbollah in Lebanon meeting
    5. Jul 22Only center coverage:U.S. and Pakistan condemn Houthi Red Sea threats to shipping and Saudi Arabia
  2. Jul 20 – 26Houthis claim attack on Saudi oil refinery as Iran war widens to Red Sea125 articles · 53 independent sources
    1. Jul 20Only lean-right coverage:Houthis Force Saudi Oil Tankers To U-Turn in Red Sea
    2. Jul 22Houthis claim missile and drone attacks on 2 Saudi oil tankers in Red Sea
    3. Jul 23US carries out 12th night of strikes against Iran as Houthis claim attacks on oil tankers
    4. Jul 23War escalates, oil prices surge as Iran-backed Houthis strike Saudi tankers in Red Sea
    5. Jul 24Houthis say hit Saudi Arabia as fighting spreads on new Middle East front
  3. Aug 6 – 9Houthis claim attacks on Saudi oil facility and Yemeni port52 articles · 28 independent sources
    1. Aug 6Houthi missile attacks kill 58 Saudi-backed Yemeni govt forces
    2. Aug 7Houthi strikes in Yemen as Saudi Arabia braces for attacks: What we know
    3. Aug 9Houthis claim attacks on Saudi Arabian oil facility and Yemeni port, and other Mideast news
  4. Sep 7 – 14Houthis target Saudi base as Iran denies involvement in Yemen war265 articles · 73 independent sources
    1. Sep 7Houthis accuse Saudi Arabia of a strike on a prison in northern Yemen, killing 7, including a child
    2. Sep 8Houthi attacks disrupt Saudi oil facilities and wound more than 70
    3. Sep 10Iran-backed Houthi rebels seize strategic Red Sea port in Yemen
    4. Sep 12Fighting in Yemen intensifies, and Houthis launch more attacks on Saudi Arabia
    5. Sep 14Houthis attack Saudi Arabia as Gulf-Iran talks are postponed
  5. Sep 11 – 18Saudi Arabia accuses Houthis of targeting Mecca, warns of 'red line'95 articles · 48 independent sources
    1. Sep 14Saudi Arabia vows to respond 'firmly' to Houthi attacks
    2. Sep 15Houthi official says Saudi airstrikes leave 3 dead, and other Mideast developments
    3. Sep 16Saudis pound Yemen as Houthis solidify gains in expansion of Middle East war
    4. Sep 16Saudi Arabia accuses Houthis of targeting Mecca, calls it a 'red line'
    5. Sep 17What to know after a week of Houthi attacks that threaten Saudi oil and have rattled world markets
  6. Sep 16 – 22Despite military might, Saudi struggles to crush the Houthis96 articles · 54 independent sources
    1. Sep 19Flames, smoke seen near Riyadh airport; Houthis claim attacks on Saudi capital
    2. Sep 20In significant escalation, Houthis attack Saudi capital
    3. Sep 21As US steers clear of Yemen fight, the Iran-backed Houthis launch next phase of campaign
    4. Sep 22Only right-leaning coverage:G7 foreign ministers demand Houthis halt strikes on Saudi Arabia
    5. Sep 22Houthis pressing to control highlands
  7. Sep 30 – Oct 5Yemen, Saudi Arabia target Houthis in new campaign as war escalates58 articles · 35 independent sources
    1. Oct 1Only center coverage:Saudi coalition accuses Houthis of drone attack on Medina
    2. Oct 2Saudis plan assault on Houthis to break Red Sea chokehold
    3. Oct 3Only center coverage:Houthis say struck oil facility near Riyadh, as Saudis hit Sanaa
    4. Oct 4Only center coverage:Houthis claim strike on Saudi energy facility as Yemen fighting intensifies
    5. Oct 4Yemen launches major military operation against Houthis

Who covered it, over timeindependent sources per week, by side

Jul 13Aug 3Aug 24Sep 14Oct 5

LeftCenterRight

Point at or tap a week to see its count by side.

Every week as a table
Week ofLeftCenterRightArticles
Jul 13, 202602411
Jul 20, 2026112421230
Jul 27, 20260129
Aug 3, 2026211550
Aug 10, 2026712582
Aug 17, 20260123
Sep 7, 2026214217234
Sep 14, 2026223415170
Sep 21, 202610141172
Sep 28, 202649429
Oct 5, 2026412528

19% left · 59% center · 22% right of 182 independent sources among the outlets we track, across 46 stories.

Every storyoldest first

  1. July 2026

    Jul 13– 15Yemen's Houthis strike Saudi Arabia's Abha airport with missiles and drones in a sharp escalation14 articles · 14 independent sources
    0 left, 2 center, 4 right
  2. Jul 20– 23A new threat by Yemen's Houthis could widen the Iran war and put another trade chokepoint at risk85 articles · 39 independent sources
    8 left, 11 center, 14 right
  3. Jul 20– 26Houthis claim attack on Saudi oil refinery as Iran war widens to Red Sea125 articles · 53 independent sources
    6 left, 12 center, 9 right
  4. Jul 22– 23Exclusive-Iran flew IRGC commanders, missile gear to Yemen's Houthis, sources say5 articles · 5 independent sources
    0 left, 0 center, 3 right
  5. Jul 25– 30Exclusive-Yemen's Houthis are attacking Saudi Arabia from Iraq, sources say43 articles · 24 independent sources
    0 left, 8 center, 3 right
  6. Jul 25Houthis fire on Saudi oil sites; no US strike on Iran for first time in two weeks14 articles · 3 independent sources
    3 left, 1 center, 1 right

  7. August 2026

    Aug 6– 9Houthis claim attacks on Saudi oil facility and Yemeni port52 articles · 28 independent sources
    1 left, 10 center, 5 right
  8. Aug 6– 7Saudi Arabia braces for attacks on ports and airports by Iraqi militias working with Iran-backed Houthis10 articles · 10 independent sources
    1 left, 2 center, 0 right
  9. Aug 8– 14Houthi attack on port kills four eroding truce with Yemen’s government57 articles · 25 independent sources
    3 left, 9 center, 4 right
  10. Aug 10A blocked Iranian flight to Yemen set off Houthis’ latest spiral with Saudi Arabia6 articles · 6 independent sources
    1 left, 0 center, 0 right
  11. Aug 12– 15The Pentagon Killed 153 Civilians in Yemen Last Year. Then It Gutted the Watchdog Investigating It16 articles · 15 independent sources
    3 left, 2 center, 0 right
  12. Aug 13– 14Iran-backed Houthi rebels clash with Yemeni government forces and other Mideast developments15 articles · 11 independent sources
    0 left, 3 center, 1 right
  13. Aug 13– 17Houthis launch new attacks on al-Makha and Marib as Yemen conflict escalates4 articles · 2 independent sources
    0 left, 1 center, 0 right
  14. Aug 13– 14Yemen’s Houthis claim new attack on Aramco refinery in Saudi Arabia: What to know3 articles · 3 independent sources
    1 left, 0 center, 0 right
  16. Aug 21– 22Yemen’s Houthis claim they carried out attack on Najran airport, Aramco facilities in Saudi Arabia2 articles · 2 independent sources
    0 left, 0 center, 2 right

  17. September 2026

    Sep 3– 7More than 140 killed in latest Yemen clashes: military sources13 articles · 5 independent sources
    0 left, 1 center, 0 right
  18. Sep 7– 14Houthis target Saudi base as Iran denies involvement in Yemen war265 articles · 73 independent sources
    19 left, 39 center, 17 right
  19. Sep 9– 11Analysis-As Saudi tensions with Iran-backed Houthis escalate, mediator Pakistan faces pressure to choose a side7 articles · 5 independent sources
    1 left, 1 center, 1 right
  20. Sep 11– 12Saudi crown prince sought US military help from Trump with Houthis, sources say12 articles · 12 independent sources
    3 left, 2 center, 6 right
  21. Sep 11– 18Saudi Arabia accuses Houthis of targeting Mecca, warns of 'red line'95 articles · 48 independent sources
    14 left, 15 center, 8 right
  22. Sep 11– 12Proxy fight in Yemen heats up, risking new front in US-Iran war6 articles · 4 independent sources
    0 left, 1 center, 0 right
  23. Sep 12‘A f***-up of epic proportions’: Blame game begins after Iran-backed Houthis’ lightning advance down Red Sea coast8 articles · 8 independent sources
    0 left, 1 center, 0 right
  24. Sep 12– 19Yemen conflict displaces 112,000 people inside country, thousands flee to Djibouti, UN migration agency says17 articles · 12 independent sources
    2 left, 3 center, 2 right
  26. Sep 15Houthi Attacks on Saudi Oil Piplines Send Prices Higher; Israel Claims 'Massive Victory' over Hezbollah2 articles · 1 independent sources
    0 left, 0 center, 1 right
  27. Sep 15– 16Saudi crown prince seeks Egypt’s backing as Houthi attacks rattle Red Sea oil routes10 articles · 7 independent sources
    1 left, 4 center, 0 right
  28. Sep 15– 18Saudi Arabia says debris from an intercepted Houthi drone killed 112 articles · 7 independent sources
    1 left, 5 center, 2 right
  29. Sep 16– 17Trump declines to back Saudi Arabia as US officials reportedly meet Iran-backed Houthis in Oman7 articles · 7 independent sources
    0 left, 1 center, 3 right
  30. Sep 16– 17Houthis release video claiming to show downed Saudi F-15 fighter as Iran-backed rebels press their lightning advance11 articles · 11 independent sources
    0 left, 4 center, 0 right
  31. Sep 16– 22Despite military might, Saudi struggles to crush the Houthis96 articles · 54 independent sources
    11 left, 15 center, 10 right
  32. Sep 21U.S. military leaders divided over action against the Houthis6 articles · 2 independent sources
    0 left, 1 center, 0 right
  33. Sep 21Trump gets caught in a dilemma over a saudi plea for military help2 articles · 2 independent sources
    1 left, 0 center, 0 right
  34. Sep 21– 22UN warns of rising Yemen displacement as thousands flee to Djibouti4 articles · 4 independent sources
    0 left, 1 center, 1 right
  35. Sep 21– 26Saudi Arabia says it intercepts another Houthi-launched missile20 articles · 12 independent sources
    4 left, 3 center, 1 right
  36. Sep 21– 23UK to offer Saudi Arabia aerial refueling to counter Houthi attacks15 articles · 10 independent sources
    4 left, 3 center, 0 right
  37. Sep 21– 22Why Trump is leaving Saudi Arabia alone to fight the Houthis — even as they threaten global oil supplies2 articles · 2 independent sources
    0 left, 1 center, 1 right
  38. Sep 22Houthis accuse Saudi Arabia of deadly strikes as thousands flee3 articles · 2 independent sources
    0 left, 1 center, 0 right
  39. Sep 23– 25Yemeni leader calls for general mobilization against Houthis4 articles · 4 independent sources
    1 left, 1 center, 0 right
  40. Sep 24– 25France to Deploy Forces to Protect Saudi Red Sea Oil Port7 articles · 6 independent sources
    2 left, 2 center, 0 right
  41. Sep 25Top Saudi cleric urges troops to defend against the Houthis3 articles · 3 independent sources
    0 left, 1 center, 0 right
  42. Sep 26Allies back Saudi Arabia4 articles · 1 independent sources
    1 left, 1 center, 1 right
  43. Sep 30– Oct 5Yemen, Saudi Arabia target Houthis in new campaign as war escalates58 articles · 35 independent sources
    6 left, 13 center, 4 right

  44. October 2026

    Oct 3– 5Iran war live: Yemen fighting intensifies; Tehran says ready for US attacks3 articles · 1 independent sources
  45. Oct 5Yemen, Saudi Arabia strike Houthis as counteroffensive gets underway3 articles · 3 independent sources
    0 left, 0 center, 1 right
  46. Oct 5– 6Saudi-backed Yemeni forces expel the Houthis from several areas around key strait, officials say23 articles · 19 independent sources
    2 left, 6 center, 4 right