Houthis Begin Missile Attacks on Khamis Mushait Base in Saudi Arabia

On Monday, October 23, 2023, the Houthis launched a new wave of missile attacks towards the Khamis Mushait airbase in southern Saudi Arabia. These attacks included firing dozens of missiles and drones at aircraft hangars, radar systems, runways, and ammunition depots. This development comes as urgent negotiations in Riyadh are underway to discuss how to respond to the rapid advances of the Houthis.

Saudi Response to the Bombings

The Houthi attacks were in response to Saudi airstrikes in Yemen, and Saudi officials reported issuing an emergency warning in Khamis Mushait and three other southern cities. The Saudi-led coalition announced that as a result of these attacks, 13 civilians have been injured. This situation has raised concerns about security and stability in the region.

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Houthi Advances and Their Impact on Oil Exports

The recent advances of the Houthis, especially the capture of Perim Island at the entrance to the Red Sea, have put additional pressure on Saudi oil exports. Previously, an airstrike on the East-West pipeline had taken it offline, and traders have warned that a prolonged shutdown of this line could cut up to 4% of global oil supply. In this context, the air forces of Saudi Arabia and Yemen have intensified bombings of Houthi positions, including around the port of Al-Mokha, but the Houthis still maintain almost complete control over the western coasts of Yemen.

Negotiations with Iran and the Role of the U.S.

Amid these conflicts, Gulf Arab states have postponed scheduled negotiations with Iran regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran attributed this delay to a request from Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, the U.S. has so far refrained from direct military intervention beyond its intelligence support. These developments have heightened concerns about the escalation of conflicts and the threat to global oil supply.

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