Yemen says ready for escalation after Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia
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- Yemen says it is ready for any escalation with the Houthis after the group launched fresh drone attacks on Saudi Arabia.
Yemen's newly appointed Foreign Minister Afrah al-Zouba said Monday that the internationally recognized government is prepared for any escalation with the Houthi movement after the group launched new attacks targeting Saudi Arabia.
Her remarks came amid growing concerns that renewed hostilities between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis could further destabilize the Arabian Peninsula and threaten regional security.
"Ultimately, we are prepared for any escalation," al-Zouba said during a press briefing.
The comments followed the Houthis' announcement that they had carried out fresh drone attacks targeting Saudi oil infrastructure, describing the strikes as retaliation for what they said were incursions by Saudi drones.
Al-Zouba warned that the Yemeni government is increasingly concerned the Houthis could attempt to replicate Iran's actions in the Strait of Hormuz by seeking to exert control over the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a strategic maritime chokepoint linking the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden off Yemen's coast.
"The Houthis want to replicate the Iranian experience in the Strait of Hormuz," she said, adding that the group is acting "in complete coordination" with Iran's regional escalation.
The Bab al-Mandab Strait has become increasingly important for global energy supplies, serving as a critical route for Saudi crude exports after shipping through the Strait of Hormuz was severely disrupted by the ongoing conflict.
Last week, the Houthis announced a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia and claimed responsibility for attacks targeting Saudi oil tankers and energy infrastructure inside the kingdom.
"They believe they will control the Red Sea," al-Zouba said, noting that tensions remain high across Yemen as Houthi forces continue daily clashes with government troops in several parts of the country.
The latest developments underscore growing fears that the conflict could expand beyond Yemen's borders, threatening key international shipping lanes and regional stability.
