Sanaa, 16 October, 2026 (Ghufran): Yemen’s Houthi movement has developed a diverse arsenal of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones, enabling it to carry out sustained attacks against targets in Saudi Arabia and strategic locations near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait at the entrance to the Red Sea. Since early September, the Houthis have targeted key oil infrastructure and airports across Saudi Arabia, including Riyadh’s airport, which has reportedly been targeted 20 times. They have also attempted to strike the cities of Madina and Makkah, although those attacks were unsuccessful. According to experts, the renewed hostilities followed a four-year truce and were triggered by a Saudi bombardment of Sanaa airport in July aimed at preventing a Houthi delegation from landing there. Yemen specialist April Longley Alley of the Washington Institute described the subsequent exchanges as a “tit-for-tat” campaign, with the Houthis framing their actions as retaliation against blockades and attacks on airports. The group’s weapons reportedly include medium-range ballistic missiles, short-range anti-ship missiles and cruise missiles, including systems believed to be derived from Iranian designs. Its arsenal also includes aerial and maritime drones, some of which are reportedly based on Iranian models such as the Shahed-131 and Shahed-136. Strategic weapons analyst Niranjan BS said the Houthis obtained weapons from stockpiles seized after taking Sanaa in 2014, as well as through smuggling networks and local assembly using imported components. The Middle East Institute has also highlighted Iran’s role in providing military assistance, including missile and unmanned aerial vehicle systems and components allegedly smuggled into Yemen through maritime routes and across the Oman-Yemen border. In June 2024, the United States imposed sanctions on a China-based individual suspected of helping procure materials used in the production of advanced conventional weapons for Houthi forces. Experts believe the group could sustain its military campaign for an extended period, citing its experience in years of conflict and its ability to withstand previous air campaigns conducted by Saudi Arabia, the United States and Israel. The continuing exchanges raise concerns about regional security, critical infrastructure and maritime traffic around the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.