Saudi Arabia has intensified its military involvement in Yemen amid a sharp escalation that began with Houthi advances along the Red Sea coast and Bab al-Mandab Strait in mid-September 2026. The Iran-backed group seized key territory, launched missile and drone strikes on Saudi airports, oil facilities, and border areas, and prompted Riyadh to deploy fighter jets in support of Yemeni government forces. A major counteroffensive, backed by around 100 Saudi aircraft striking Houthi positions, targets, and supply lines, began in early October and has produced heavy casualties on both sides along with continued Houthi retaliatory attacks. Ongoing cross-border strikes and ground operations keep the risk of further Saudi military action elevated in the near term.