Riyadh Under Pressure As Houthis Advance on Land, Enter Red Sea Chokepoint and Strike the Kingdom

Saudi Arabia is facing escalating pressure as Houthi forces consolidate territorial gains in Yemen, display wreckage allegedly belonging to Saudi-backed troops and launch projectiles across the kingdom’s border. Houthi-controlled television broadcast footage showing ten damaged military vehicles and several casualties. Reuters could not independently verify when or where the video was recorded, or establish responsibility for the reported attack. Four Yemeni government sources said the Houthis had captured Perim Island inside the Bab el-Mandeb Strait after seizing the strategic port of Mokha. Saudi authorities also confirmed that a Houthi projectile struck Al-Tuwal in Jazan, injuring two people and damaging a mosque, buildings and vehicles. Three sources told Reuters that Mohammed bin Salman requested direct American military assistance against the Houthis. Donald Trump reportedly refused to open another U.S. front, offering intelligence support instead. That leaves Riyadh defending its territory, supporting retreating allies and protecting shipping routes threatened around both Bab el-Mandeb and Hormuz.