How have Houthi-Saudi tensions evolved in the last month?

On 9 August, the Houthis continued their escalatory attacks in the region with the launching of dozens of drones, WBIEDs, and missiles against the IRG-held port city of Mocha in the contested Al-Hodeidah governorate, claiming to target Saudi forces there. While IRG forces managed to intercept at least 11 attack drones, the attack killed seven people - including three civilians - injured up to 30, and caused material damage to the city’s port and other infrastructure in the area. On the same day, the Houthis also launched drones targeting an Aramco oil facility in Jizan port city in Saudi Arabia, causing a fire.

This ACLED map illustrates key conflict events and spatial patterns between Houthi forces and Saudi Arabia over a four-week period, tracking attacks on energy infrastructure, maritime shipping, and aviation hubs.

• 13–14 July: Saudi Arabia conducts airstrikes on Sanaa airport and Sadah, prompting Houthi retaliation via drone and missile attacks directed at Abha International Airport in Saudi Arabia.
• 15–23 July: Houthis announce a naval blockade against Saudi shipping and launch strikes on Saudi oil tankers, including the first confirmed attack on a Saudi ship (Encelia) during this escalation on 22 July.
• 24 July: Houthis continue targeting Saudi-linked ships, leading to further Saudi airstrikes inside Yemen.
• 25–26 July: Houthi forces target energy infrastructure with missile and drone launches towards Yanbu and Jazan facilities, triggering additional Saudi retaliatory strikes.
• 27 July – 9 August: Houthis intensify attacks against Saudi energy infrastructure, culminating in an 9 August attack on Saudi Aramco's Jazan refinery, as well as strikes on Mocha port and city in Yemen that killed seven people and damaged civilian infrastructure.