US Expands Support for Saudi Arabia as Houthis Advance Toward Bab el-Mandeb
World
The United States has expanded military support for Saudi Arabia as Houthi forces advance along Yemen’s western coast. More than 100 US military advisers are in the kingdom providing intelligence and targeting assistance, while the Houthis have moved closer to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
According to CNN, a joint command was established in recent weeks. The US is providing targeting-analysis tools and geospatial intelligence but is not directly participating in strikes or refueling Saudi aircraft.
The escalation is also affecting Saudi Arabia’s oil sector. Oil production fell 23% in August from July to 6.24 million barrels per day, the lowest level recorded in 2026. Saudi crude exports also declined sharply.
Saudi Arabia has redirected part of its crude flows through the East-West Pipeline to the Red Sea port of Yanbu to reduce reliance on routes through the Strait of Hormuz. Houthi attacks and their blockade of Saudi ports, however, have created additional constraints on exports.
On September 10, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman called US President Donald Trump twice and urged him to strike the Houthis. According to Axios, Trump rejected opening another front, with Washington focused on Iran and the Strait of Hormuz.
Meanwhile, Houthi forces have reached Dhubab near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Reuters reported that control of Dhubab and the nearby island of Perim is considered critical to controlling the strait, a major route for global trade and energy shipments.
The escalation is also affecting Saudi Arabia’s oil sector. Oil production fell 23% in August from July to 6.24 million barrels per day, the lowest level recorded in 2026. Saudi crude exports also declined sharply.
Saudi Arabia has redirected part of its crude flows through the East-West Pipeline to the Red Sea port of Yanbu to reduce reliance on routes through the Strait of Hormuz. Houthi attacks and their blockade of Saudi ports, however, have created additional constraints on exports.
On September 10, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman called US President Donald Trump twice and urged him to strike the Houthis. According to Axios, Trump rejected opening another front, with Washington focused on Iran and the Strait of Hormuz.
Meanwhile, Houthi forces have reached Dhubab near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Reuters reported that control of Dhubab and the nearby island of Perim is considered critical to controlling the strait, a major route for global trade and energy shipments.
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