Saudi Airstrikes Target Yemen as Fighting Intensifies on Western Front

Saudi warplanes have reportedly carried out a fresh series of airstrikes across Yemen, targeting areas recently brought under the control of Yemeni armed forces and fighters allied with the Ansarullah resistance movement. Yemen’s al-Masirah television, citing local sources, reported that Saudi aircraft conducted three strikes against the Ar-Rubay’i area in At-Ta’iziyah district of Ta’izz Province, while another airstrike hit the Baqim district in Sa’ada Province. No immediate casualties or damage were reported.

The attacks followed a statement by Yemeni Armed Forces spokesman Brigadier General Yahya Saree, who said Saudi warplanes had carried out 129 airstrikes across seven Yemeni provinces within 48 hours. According to Saree, the strikes targeted Ta’izz, Ma’rib, Hudaydah, al-Jawf, Sa’ada, ‘Amran and Hajjah, with F-15 and Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft reportedly operating from Saudi bases in Khamis Mushait and Taif. He warned that the continued Saudi military campaign would not go unanswered and vowed a decisive response from Yemeni forces.

The escalation comes amid claims by Yemeni forces that they have taken control of Perim Island, also known as Mayyun Island, a strategically important position in the Bab al-Mandab Strait connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. Control of the island would significantly affect the strategic balance along Yemen’s western coastline and the wider maritime corridor. The reported developments reflect intensifying clashes between Yemeni forces and Saudi-backed fighters over key coastal territories, while Saudi airstrikes appear aimed at slowing recent advances and preventing further changes to the balance of power on the western front.