Iran-backed Houthi forces have intensified their offensive in Yemen, expanding their presence along the Red Sea and taking control of strategically important territory, including Perim Island. Their advances have raised concerns about the security of the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a major shipping route connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden.

The renewed fighting has placed Saudi Arabia under growing pressure. Despite receiving intelligence and targeting assistance from the United States, Saudi-backed Yemeni forces have struggled to prevent the Houthis from capturing key coastal areas. U.S. officials have acknowledged the Houthi objective of gaining greater control over the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

The conflict escalated further when the Houthis claimed to have launched missiles and drones toward targets in Riyadh and an Aramco facility in Yanbu. Saudi authorities said their air defenses intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile heading toward the capital. There were no immediate confirmed reports of casualties or damage from the reported attacks.

The United States has so far avoided direct military strikes against the Houthis. Instead, American military support has focused on providing Saudi Arabia with intelligence and targeting information. Saudi Arabia has reportedly asked Washington for additional military assistance, but those requests for direct strikes have not been approved.

Saudi Arabia has also sought additional air-defense assistance from France, Britain, Pakistan and Egypt as it faces pressure from the expanding conflict. At the same time, the Houthi offensive is adding to wider concerns over shipping routes and the global energy situation.

The escalation is also complicating diplomatic efforts involving Iran and Gulf countries. Regional officials told CNN that the fighting around the Bab al-Mandab corridor is affecting negotiations over the Strait of Hormuz, while Saudi Arabia has been reluctant to engage with Iran amid continuing Houthi attacks.

Experts and regional officials cited by CNN have questioned whether the Houthi escalation can be resolved through military action alone. The conflict has already created additional pressure on regional security, commercial shipping and energy

Sources: Reuters footage and reporting cited by CNN