Yemen Conflict and Saudi Regional Security

On September 20, reports said Saudi Aramco halted October crude deliveries to European buyers after a drone attack; separate reports concerned Houthi missile activity and Saudi defensive action, and do not establish that the reported drone attack was the Houthi missile event. On October 4, the Yemeni government announced a military campaign against Houthi militia, and the October 5 timeline includes Saudi-led coalition strikes and Yemeni government-aligned operations. On October 8, the Houthis said they had targeted Riyadh airport with a ballistic missile, while a separate report described a coalition strike on a Houthi missile facility in Saada. On October 13, “Saudi Arabia investigates air-defense failure after Houthi strike on Riyadh airport” described an investigation; on October 14, “Fire breaks out at Aramco compound in Saudi Arabia after attack” reported a compound fire. On October 15, the European Union postponed its Gulf summit, while “Houthis claim they shot down a Saudi Typhoon fighter over Yemen's Sa'dah” attributed that claim to the Houthis. On October 20, Saudi and Turkish foreign ministers condemned Houthi attacks, and “RAF fighter jets to defend Saudi Arabia from Houthi aerial attacks” described planned assistance. On October 22, “Saudi Aramco evacuates headquarters and shifts staff to remote work” reported an evacuation; on October 23, Rashad Mohammed al-Alimi said Houthi attacks would not derail efforts to restore Yemen’s state institutions.