Houthi Militia Gains Strategic Ground, Saudi Crown Prince Meets US Commander

JEDDAH: Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman met US Central Command (CENTCOM) chief Admiral Brad Cooper in Jeddah as tensions rise following the Houthi militia’s military advances in Yemen and attacks affecting Saudi Arabia.

According to Saudi state media, the meeting focused on recent regional developments. Saudi and US authorities did not immediately provide further details about the discussions.

Houthi Militia Advances Along Red Sea Coast

The meeting comes as the Houthi militia has reportedly expanded its presence along Yemen’s Red Sea coastline and around the strategically important Bab al-Mandab Strait.

Recent reports said the Houthi militia advanced into key coastal areas, including Al-Mokha, and expanded its presence around islands near Bab al-Mandab.

According to the reports, the group took control of Mayyun (Perim) Island and later expanded its presence to the Greater and Lesser Hanish islands, developments that could increase its strategic position along the Red Sea shipping route.

The reports have not been independently verified in full.

Why Bab al-Mandab Matters to Saudi Arabia

Bab al-Mandab connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and is one of the world’s major maritime chokepoints.

The waterway provides a key route for vessels travelling between the Indian Ocean, the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, making its security important for international trade and energy shipments.

The Houthi militia’s reported advance has particular implications for Saudi Arabia because the Red Sea provides an important alternative route for the Kingdom’s oil exports, especially amid disruption around the Strait of Hormuz.

Saudi Arabia Intensifies Airstrikes

Following the reported advances, Saudi Arabia has increased airstrikes against positions held by the Houthi militia in Yemen.

Reports have indicated that areas around Al-Mokha airport and other Houthi militia-held positions were targeted, although details of some strikes have been difficult to independently verify.

The Houthi militia has also carried out attacks against areas in southern Saudi Arabia.

Saudi authorities have said some of the attacks targeted energy-related infrastructure and resulted in dozens of injuries.

Riyadh Sought US Military Support

Reuters previously reported that Mohammed bin Salman had asked US President Donald Trump for military assistance against the Houthi militia amid the rising security threat.

According to that report, Trump did not approve a request for direct US strikes against the Houthi militia.

Washington was nevertheless prepared to provide Saudi Arabia with intelligence support and assistance in identifying targets, according to the report.

Against this backdrop, Admiral Brad Cooper’s meeting with the Saudi crown prince is being viewed as an important security contact between Riyadh and Washington.

Yemen Conflict Escalates Again

Fighting between the Houthi militia and Saudi-led forces had declined significantly after the 2022 ceasefire, following years of war that began in 2014.

However, broader regional hostilities this year have coincided with renewed fighting in Yemen and increased attacks involving the Houthi militia and Saudi Arabia.

The latest developments have raised concerns over the security of Bab al-Mandab, Red Sea shipping and Saudi Arabia’s alternative oil-export routes.