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Event / Politics
Saudi Arabia-Houthi Conflict
Escalating military conflict between Saudi Arabia and Houthi forces, including coordinated attacks on airports and energy infrastructure, with regional ceasefire violations and international responses.
11 reported locations
Daily activity
57 articles0 articles
2026-07-29 to 2026-10-26 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 11 Apr, 00:07 UTC
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What happened
Two people killed near Chaybah oil field after interception over the site
On 21 October 2026, two people were killed after an interception occurred over the Chaybah oil field in eastern Saudi Arabia. The dead were of Philippine and Nepalese nationality. Pakistani and Indian nationals were injured. The Saudi Energy Ministry's statement did not specify the origin of the drone.
Houthis take control of Yemen's Red Sea coastline in September
In September 2026, Houthi forces took control of Yemen's Red Sea coastline, strengthening their hold on the Bab el-Mandeb strait, which is strategic for access to the Suez Canal.
Explosions heard in Iran's Hormozgan province near Sirik
On the evening of 21 October 2026, explosions were heard in the Karpan area of Sirik, Hormozgan province, Iran, which overlooks the Strait of Hormuz. The nature of the explosions was not determined. These were the first explosions reported in the region this month, during a lull in hostilities between the United States and Iran.
Families of US embassy personnel in four Gulf and Middle East countries are being withdrawn
Families of personnel at US embassies in the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Qatar and Bahrain are being withdrawn, in addition to the departure order for the US embassy in Riyadh.
Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia reach unprecedented intensity in recent weeks
In recent weeks, Houthi strikes against Saudi Arabia, which supports Yemen's internationally recognized government, reached an unprecedented intensity. The strikes targeted oil and airport infrastructure, among other sites.
US orders departure of non-essential staff and families from embassy in Riyadh
On 21 October 2026, the US State Department ordered the departure of non-essential employees of its embassy in Riyadh and their families. The order applies only to non-essential staff at the Saudi Arabia embassy. The State Department cited Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia that have caused civilian casualties and serious disruption to travel.
Attack on Dammam International Airport kills one and injures eight
An attack on Dammam International Airport in eastern Saudi Arabia killed one person and injured eight on the evening of Wednesday 21 October 2026.
Saudi Arabia and Houthis resume hostilities in July after several years of calm
The conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis resumed in July 2026 after several years of relative calm, opening a new front in the wider Middle East war.
Saudi Arabia intercepts six drones launched toward its territory, one aimed at Medina
On 21 October 2026, Saudi Arabia intercepted six drones launched toward its territory. One of the drones was aimed at the Medina region in western Saudi Arabia. Interceptions took place in the eastern region and in Medina.
Attack on Riyadh airport kills 13 people and injures 309 on October 11
A Houthi attack on Riyadh International Airport on October 11 killed 13 people and injured 309 others. The deceased included four Saudis, two Bangladeshis, one American, one Egyptian, one Argentine, one Syrian, one Palestinian, one Indian, and one Sudanese national. The attack forced the suspension of all flights.
German Economy Minister stranded in Riyadh after airport attacks
German Economy Minister Katherina Reiche was stranded in Riyadh due to airport closure following the Houthi attacks. Her ministry announced October 12 that her planned return on October 13 would not occur as scheduled, extending her stay to October 14. Reiche was participating in 'Energy Week' in Riyadh, attending roundtable discussions and bilateral meetings with energy company representatives, international organizations, and governments.
Two deaths reported in southern Lebanon near Israeli security zone
Two men died in villages in southern Lebanon near the Israeli security zone on October 12. A retired soldier from Yater, approximately five kilometers from the Israeli border, was killed by Israeli artillery fire while inspecting his olive harvest. An engineer from Beirut was killed by an explosion from ordnance dating from the Hezbollah-Israel war in the village of Froun, located at the edge of an Israeli-occupied area.
Houthi rebels launch major coordinated attacks on Saudi Arabian airports and energy infrastructure
Houthi rebels from Yemen claimed responsibility for four major coordinated operations on October 11-12, using ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones. Targets included Riyadh International Airport, Dammam International Airport, Shugadam gas facility (Aramco), and Tanajib refinery (Aramco), all in Saudi Arabia. The attacks were conducted in phases starting Friday evening.
Saudi-led coalition characterizes airport attack as war crime
The Saudi-led military coalition conducting operations in Yemen denounced the October 11 attack on Riyadh airport as a 'war crime' and promised to respond with 'firmness.' The October 11 attack was the deadliest incident in Saudi Arabia since August 2015, when an ISIS suicide bombing killed 15 people.
Second Houthi attack on Riyadh airport kills one Pakistani and injures 11 on October 12
A second Houthi attack against Riyadh International Airport on the evening of October 12 killed one Pakistani resident and injured 11 others. The Saudi Civil Aviation Authority confirmed the casualties and stated that the wounded were immediately transported to hospitals for medical treatment. Material damage was still being assessed.
Saudi-led coalition conducts air defense operations against Houthi drones and missiles
The Saudi-led coalition shot down a drone in eastern Saudi Arabia in response to Houthi attacks. Coalition spokesman General Turki al-Malki announced the interception and destruction of the drone. Additionally, a Houthi ballistic missile targeting Khamis Mushait military base in southern Saudi Arabia was intercepted.
Saudi-led coalition intercepts and destroys Houthi ballistic missile targeting Khamis Mushait
The Saudi-led military coalition announced it intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile launched by Houthi rebels aimed at Khamis Mushait, a city hosting a major military base in southern Saudi Arabia. The interception occurred in response to the continued Houthi attack campaign.
Donald Trump condemns Saudi Arabia airport attacks
US President Donald Trump reacted to the Houthi attacks on Riyadh airport, stating 'What happened in Saudi Arabia is not acceptable.'
France condemns Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia
France's Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the Houthi attacks on Riyadh airport as an 'odious attack' conducted by the Houthi rebels.
Houthis warn that Saudi airports unsafe except Mecca and Medina
Houthi rebels reiterated warnings to travelers, employees, and airlines that Saudi Arabian airports are not safe for operations, with the exception of airports in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. The warning coincides with October marking the beginning of high season for Umrah pilgrimage when millions of Muslims travel to Saudi Arabia.
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2 alternative perspectives
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US and Iran agree to ceasefire, reopen Strait of Hormuz
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Global oil demand forecast cut as deliveries plunge and reserves shrink
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TotalEnergies threatens fuel cap exit over windfall tax proposal
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US and Iran escalate Strait of Hormuz standoff with military posturing
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EU rules grant flight passengers compensation and expense coverage rights
EU regulations guarantee flight passengers compensation, alternative travel options, and expense reimbursement for cancellations.
TotalEnergies warns of energy shortage risk as Strait blockade persists
Energy executives warn of potential shortages from prolonged blockade; French government sees no immediate fuel crisis.
Iran, US launch Hormuz talks as Macron demands strait navigation freedom
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Macron demands free navigation through Strait of Hormuz amid energy tensions
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