Yemen's government reports Houthi attack in al-Makha kills at least four

Hostilities between the Iran‑backed Houthi movement and Yemen’s internationally recognised government have intensified in recent weeks, with both sides accusing each other of escalating attacks along the country’s coast and inland supply routes. The conflict, which has been simmering since the 2015 civil war, has now seen a surge in missile launches, drone strikes, and artillery shelling that threaten to widen the humanitarian crisis already affecting millions of Yemenis.

The Houthi rebels, who control the northern part of Yemen and the port city of Hodeidah, have targeted government‑run supply convoys and naval vessels in the Red Sea, citing the need to pressure the Saudi‑led coalition and the United Arab Emirates. In response, the Yemeni government, backed by the coalition, has increased airstrikes on Houthi positions and fortified key logistical hubs. International observers warn that the escalation could disrupt critical maritime traffic through the Bab al‑Mandab Strait, a vital artery for global oil shipments.

If the fighting does not subside, the risk of a broader regional spill‑over grows, potentially drawing in neighboring Gulf states and further straining diplomatic efforts to broker a lasting ceasefire. The United Nations has called for an immediate de‑escalation and urged all parties to resume negotiations, emphasizing the urgent need to protect civilian lives and infrastructure in Yemen.