AGP Executive Report

Red Sea Front: Yemen’s Saudi-backed forces say they reclaimed Dhubab district and key positions near Bab al-Mandeb, cutting Houthi supply lines, while launching a “strategic offensive” toward Sanaa as the Saudi-led coalition says 100 fighter jets supported strikes and destroyed hundreds of Houthi targets. Mocha Push: Pro-government troops also claim a lightning advance along the coast up to Mocha, a vital Red Sea port, though the Houthis dispute the extent of gains and keep fighting around Taiz. Houthi Attacks on Saudi Arabia: The Houthis claim three operations hitting Riyadh’s King Khalid airport, an Aramco refinery in Rabigh, and Abha/Khamis Mushait sites, warning airlines that Saudi airspace is unsafe for flights. Regional Military Pact: Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Türkiye agreed to rapidly implement collective-defense commitments under the Mecca Defense Alliance, with no troop numbers or timelines released. Humanitarian & Rights: UN officials warn of sharp escalation and displacement, while Amnesty and HRW say Houthi authorities have sent UN and civil society staff for prosecution on espionage-related charges punishable by death. Energy Watch: Oil prices slipped as Middle East exports rose, even as Yemen-linked Red Sea risks keep markets jittery.

Red Sea Front: Yemen’s internationally recognized government says its forces, backed by Saudi air power, have secured effective control of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, seizing Dhubab (including its airstrip) and advancing toward Mocha, while fighting continues and the Houthis deny the claims. Operation “Dawn of Yemen”: The Presidential Leadership Council announced a broad campaign to retake Sanaa and “purify” territory from Iran-backed Houthis, as Saudi-led jets—reported at 100—hit hundreds of Houthi targets and coalition officials say “air protection” is in place. Houthi Aviation Warning: The Houthis’ Humanitarian Operations Coordination Centre warned airlines that Saudi airspace is “unsafe” and could become a “theatre of operations,” while exempting Mecca and Medina. Humanitarian Pressure: WFP says three-quarters of Yemeni families can’t meet basic food needs, with access hurdles and funding gaps threatening assistance for tens of thousands. Energy Fallout: Saudi Aramco’s CEO warned rebuilding depleted oil and fuel inventories could take up to two years, as attacks and shipping risks keep markets jittery.

Battle for Taiz and beyond: Yemen’s internationally recognized government, led by Presidential Leadership Council chief Rashad al-Alimi, has launched a full-scale “battle of liberation” to retake all Houthi-held territory, with army and security units ordered to push across active fronts as fighting intensifies around Taiz after Houthis reportedly seized the At Turbah area following government withdrawals. Houthi claims of Saudi strikes: The Houthis say Saudi air and missile attacks hit Sanaa and provinces including Al-Jawf and Taiz, reporting 106 strikes in 24 hours (figures not independently verified). Saudi-backed coalition support: Saudi officials say they will keep providing operational support to restore Yemen’s state institutions and deter Houthi threats to navigation near the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb. Aramco and oil-market pressure: The Houthis also claim missile and drone attacks on Aramco facilities in Riyadh and Khurais, while oil prices react to renewed supply and infrastructure concerns. Humanitarian and rights alarms: Rights groups and local reports condemn alleged attacks on civilians and the mutilation of a martyr’s body in Taiz, calling it a grave violation of humanitarian law.

Yemen War Escalation: Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council says President Rashad al-Alimi has ordered a large-scale, full-spectrum military operation to retake all territory held by Iran-backed Houthis, with strikes reported in Sanaa and Saada and fighting intensifying around Taiz. Taiz Siege Pressure: Security sources and AFP report Houthis seized the al-Safiya area, cutting the main Taiz-Aden road and effectively tightening an encirclement of the government-held city. Aramco Cross-Border Attacks: Houthis claim ballistic missile and drone strikes hit Saudi Aramco sites in Riyadh and the Khurais area, while Saudi officials and the coalition dismiss some claims as misleading. Regional Security Talks: Turkey says the Makkah defense pact committee of Pakistan, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia will meet in Riyadh on Monday to discuss regional developments and Houthi threats. Humanitarian Strain: UN-linked reporting in the week highlights displacement and worsening food insecurity as Yemen’s conflict spreads and supply routes break. Diplomacy vs Force: Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi reiterated there is “no military solution” to the wider Iran-US conflict, even as regional tensions around Hormuz and Yemen-linked shipping risks rise.

Aramco in the crossfire: Yemen’s Houthis claimed a ballistic missile and drone strike on an Aramco facility in Riyadh, saying fires broke out; Saudi authorities and Aramco have not confirmed the cause, but the incident is fueling fears of wider regional spillover. Saudi pushback: The Saudi-led coalition called the Riyadh claims “misleading,” pointing to Houthi losses in Yemen, as fighting intensifies. Frontline toll in Taiz and beyond: Yemen’s government forces said they carried out 257 precision operations across multiple fronts, killing at least 700 Houthis, and separately reported 260 killed in 97 operations focused on Taiz and Al-Bayda/Lahj axes, with vehicles and supply assets destroyed or disabled. Escalation signals: Sana’a warned Riyadh of “capital for capital” retaliation, while reports say Saudi Arabia is preparing a major offensive aimed at pushing Houthis away from the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandeb. Regional pressure: Bangladesh condemned the Houthi drone attack on power infrastructure serving the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, backing Saudi security efforts. US posture: The US deployed additional Patriot batteries to protect energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia and Qatar as Washington weighs options amid the broader Iran crisis.

Sanaa Under Fire: Loud explosions shook Yemen’s capital as Houthis accused Saudi forces of launching 26 strikes on Sanaa, with reports of blasts near Al-Sabeen and damage to the Al-Sabeen Maternal-Child Hospital; Red Sea Stakes: The renewed fighting comes as the Houthis control Yemen’s Red Sea coast and Bab al-Mandeb, keeping pressure on shipping and regional security; Taiz Frontline: In Taiz, Yemen’s army said it carried out 71 operations against Houthi positions across multiple areas, while fighting and shelling injured civilians; Saudi Border Impacts: Saudi Civil Defense said shrapnel from an intercepted Houthi ballistic missile injured an Asian expatriate in Asir and damaged a prayer room, and a Houthi projectile hit a school in Najran; Oil Infrastructure Alarm: Witnesses reported smoke and flames near an Aramco facility south of Riyadh amid the Saudi-Houthi escalation, with no official confirmation yet; Humanitarian Pressure: The UN released $160m from CERF for 12 underfunded crises, including $18m for Yemen, as UN agencies warn displacement and hunger are worsening; Regional Entanglement: Analysis highlights how Yemen, the Horn of Africa, and Red Sea access disputes are increasingly linked, raising fears of a wider regional spiral.

Humanitarian Funding: The UN released $160 million from its emergency fund, including $150 million for Yemen and $10 million for disability-focused needs across 12 crises, warning that money won’t reach people without political will and safe access. Camp David Diplomacy: US Vice President JD Vance chaired a secret Camp David meeting with top national security officials on the Iran war and Yemen, as Washington weighs renewed large-scale action and Saudi pushes for a tougher Yemen campaign. Saudi Offensive Plans: Reports say Saudi Arabia is preparing an offensive against the Houthis to retake Bab el-Mandeb, with options ranging from a limited coastal push to multi-front operations, backed by Saudi air power and intelligence support from the US and partners. Regional Defense Talks: Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye plan emergency talks in Riyadh on political engagement with Ansarullah, framed as an alternative to “kinetic action,” under the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement. Sanaa Rejects Saudi Claims: Yemen’s authorities dismissed Saudi allegations over an alleged attack on Medina as fabricated slander, warning Riyadh’s narrative won’t change the conflict’s course. Frontline Fighting in Taiz: Yemen’s forces claimed hundreds of Houthi casualties in Taiz amid heavy airstrike exchanges, while Houthis reported dozens of Saudi strikes and missile attacks in the same period. US Arrest Over Houthi Support: A US Energy Department engineer was arrested and faces up to 20 years for alleged material support to the Houthis, including drone and explosive-related materials.

Taiz Frontline: Yemen’s government forces intensified operations in Taiz, reporting dozens of airstrikes and major gains as clashes entered a pivotal phase, with a senior Interior Ministry emergency forces commander, Maj. Gen. Mohammed Salem Abdullah al-Khawlani, killed on the Al-Kadaha front. Red Sea Pressure: AFP reports fighting near the Bab el-Mandeb area killed dozens on both sides, underscoring how the Houthi push for control of key maritime routes is reshaping the wider conflict. Holy Sites Under Fire: Saudi Arabia’s coalition says Houthis hit the Taibah power distribution station in Medina supplying the Prophet’s Mosque, while Houthis deny involvement and Saudi officials report multiple alleged drone/missile attempts targeting Makkah and Madinah over nine years. Hunger Crisis: The UN World Food Programme warns three in four households in accessible government-held areas are going hungry as displacement and disrupted food supplies accelerate, with funding gaps threatening further cuts. UN Aid Boost: The UN released $160M in emergency funding for 12 underfunded humanitarian crises, including $18M for Yemen. US Legal Crackdown: US authorities arrested a Department of Energy engineer, Ashton Hamed Ellaboudy, alleging he tried to aid Iran-backed Houthis with drone and explosive-related materials. Regional Military Planning: Reuters reports Saudi Arabia is considering a new offensive against the Houthis, with options ranging from a coastal push to securing Red Sea shipping to wider multi-front assaults.

Medina Power Attack: Saudi-led coalition says Houthi drones hit the Taibah electricity distribution station in Madinah, knocking out one transformer that supplies the Prophet’s Mosque, while Houthis deny targeting holy sites; the incident triggered broad condemnation from Turkey, Qatar, Arab League and Al-Azhar. Yemen Retaliation in Taiz/Sanaa: Yemen’s armed forces report 20 precision air strikes in Taiz and say they hit “high-value targets” in Sanaa, as fighting escalates across multiple fronts. Regional Diplomacy: Pakistan calls the Medina attack a “grave provocation” and urges an immediate end to reckless actions, reaffirming solidarity with Saudi Arabia. US Legal Crackdown: US DOJ says a Department of Energy engineer in Washington (Ashton Ellaboudy) was arrested for allegedly aiding Iran-backed Houthis, including buying drone and explosive materials. Humanitarian & Civilian Pressure: Reports also highlight continued Saudi air/missile strikes across Yemeni governorates and growing strain on services amid the war.

Saudi-Houthi Holy Sites Clash: Saudi-led coalition says a Houthi drone hit a Taibah electricity distribution station in Madinah, knocking one transformer out of service but not the wider grid; it supplies power to the Prophet’s Mosque. Taiz Frontline Fighting: Yemen’s government forces report dozens of Houthi fighters killed and wounded in renewed clashes across Taiz, with airstrikes and ground operations cited on multiple fronts. Mobilization & State Readiness: Yemen’s internationally recognized government approved measures to implement general mobilization and boost readiness of state institutions as fighting escalates and threats to navigation near Bab al-Mandeb grow. Budget Support: Saudi Arabia provided $60 million (224 million riyals) in additional budget support to help Yemen meet salary obligations and stabilize the rial. Humanitarian Pressure: A displacement report says numbers have surged to about 180,000, straining food, water, shelter, healthcare, and education in host areas. Red Sea Axis Warning: Yemen’s foreign ministry warns the Houthis are expanding a “Red Sea Axis” across the Horn of Africa through weapons transfers, training, smuggling, and joint operations. Food Supply Worry: Russia’s embassy warns disruptions to grain exports could hit Yemen, a major food importer.

Gulf Security Warning: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman told the Shura Council that Gulf security is “indivisible” and Riyadh will respond “decisively” to any threat, while insisting it is also pushing diplomacy to avoid escalation. Pakistan’s Mecca Pact: Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said Islamabad will back Saudi Arabia against Houthi attacks “with whatever means are available,” framing any threat to Riyadh as a threat to Pakistan under the Mecca Defence Alliance. Yemen Frontline Updates: Yemen’s army said it carried out 468 operations against Houthi fighters and equipment across three fronts, as fighting continues near Taiz, Lahj and around the Bab al-Mandab corridor. Civil Aviation Alarm: Yemen warned the UN Security Council that Iranian-origin air-defense weapons used by Houthis pose a direct danger to civilian aircraft in the southern Red Sea, urging enforcement of the arms embargo. Regional Airspace Risk: The EU aviation safety agency advised airlines to avoid parts of Saudi airspace due to increased missile and drone attacks linked to the Yemen conflict. Diplomacy on the Side: Yemen’s foreign minister met a Turkish envoy to discuss closer coordination to counter Red Sea threats.

Taiz Shelling: A 15-year-old boy was killed and a woman injured after Houthi mortar fire hit a residential home in Salh district east of Taiz, with civilians reporting damage to nearby properties. Broader Yemen Escalation: The fighting is also reported across multiple fronts including Lahj near Bab al-Mandab, Marib, Al-Jawf and Al-Bayda, as Yemen’s leadership pushes general mobilization and raises military readiness. UN De-escalation Effort: UN Yemen envoy Hans Grundberg wrapped up talks in Cairo, urging parties to prevent further deterioration and create conditions for renewed political dialogue, with attention on maritime security and the impact on civilians. Red Sea Pressure: Regional reporting highlights growing concern that Houthi activity is tightening risks for shipping through the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab, while international aviation advisories continue to warn airlines about Saudi airspace. Regional Diplomacy: Egypt’s foreign minister called for de-escalation around Iran while stressing freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab, in calls that also covered Yemen developments.

Red Sea Security: The EU foreign policy chief says the bloc is seeking observer status in the Saudi-led coalition as Houthi attacks keep pressure on Bab el-Mandeb and disrupt shipping. Regional Diplomacy: Netanyahu’s reported UAE visit included discussion of Iran’s nuclear progress and Yemen’s Houthis, while an expanded meeting in Abu Dhabi reportedly brought together officials from 10 countries to coordinate against “shared threats.” Saudi-UAE Rapprochement: Saudi Crown Prince MBS met UAE Vice President Mansour bin Zayed in Riyadh as Riyadh tries to mend fences after a Yemen rift, amid continued Houthi strikes. Yemen Frontlines: Yemen’s army says it carried out 414 attacks on Houthi targets in 24 hours, targeting reinforcements and military capabilities, as fighting and airstrikes continue across Taiz, Al-Jawf, Amran, Saada and Hodeidah. Gulf Fallout: War-risk insurance for Saudi-linked tankers rose sharply, while oil flows are being rerouted as Red Sea traffic falls. Humanitarian Pressure: WHO and UN reporting highlights Yemen’s health system at breaking point and rising displacement, with epidemics feared. Pakistan Signals Deeper Role: Pakistan’s defence minister says Islamabad will defend Saudi Arabia “whatever means are available” under a mutual pact with Saudi Arabia and Turkey.

Humanitarian Crisis in Yemen: The WHO says Yemen’s health system is at “breaking point” as fighting between Houthis and Saudi-backed forces leaves 838 dead and 3,600+ injured since early August, with 145,000+ displaced and outbreaks fears rising. Frontline Fighting: Government and Houthi sides trade claims of heavy losses and airstrikes across Taiz, Lahj, Saada and Hodeidah, while fighting in the southwest continues and displacement accelerates. Red Sea Pressure: Reports say Saudi airstrikes hit telecom networks in Hodeidah, and Yemen’s war is disrupting roads and ports, deepening the humanitarian collapse. UN Diplomacy: UN envoy Hans Grundberg met Houthi negotiators to prevent escalation, as the conflict spreads and regional influence—especially Iran’s—remains a key concern. Regional Politics: Saudi-UAE tensions resurface, with calls for Riyadh to reconcile with Abu Dhabi to build a stronger anti-Houthi alliance. Health Alerts Beyond Yemen: WHO also reports cholera deaths rose 30% in 2025, with Yemen among the hardest-hit countries.

Humanitarian Crisis in Yemen: The WHO warns Yemen is sliding into a “complex emergency,” with 838 dead and 3,643 injured since August, as cholera, measles, malaria and dengue threats grow alongside mental-health breakdowns. Displacement Surge: IOM says nearly 16,000 people were displaced in one week, bringing the total to 145,308 across eight governorates, with Taiz and Lahj hit hardest. Frontline Fighting (Taiz/Lahj): Yemen’s Defense Ministry claims 356 operations in 24 hours against Houthi targets, killing or wounding 476, while clashes near Bab al-Mandeb in Lahj reportedly left dozens dead on both sides. Mocha Press Freedom: At least 117 journalists fled Mocha after Houthi advances along the Red Sea coast. Regional Diplomacy & Shipping: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Saudi FM Prince Faisal bin Farhan on Yemen and maritime security, as talks to reopen the Strait of Hormuz continue amid US-Iran stalemate. Aid on the Ground: Qatar Red Crescent Society launched a $600,000 health and nutrition project for 50,000 vulnerable people in Hajjah’s Abs district.

US-Iran Mediation: Mediators say indirect talks are still pushing a deal to end fighting and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, with Qatar involved and talks expected to resume Monday despite Trump’s public rejection. Red Sea Security: Egypt’s foreign minister urged protecting freedom of navigation through the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab, linking Yemen stability to global trade and food/energy supply chains. Saudi Airstrikes in Yemen: Reports say Saudi jets hit Taiz again, including a school and residential areas, while fighting around Taiz and Saada continues amid competing claims of casualties. Humanitarian Fallout: UN-linked reporting says more than 145,000 Yemenis have fled since June as the west-coast conflict escalates, with Taiz receiving the largest share. Regional Pressure on Shipping: The Iran-Hormuz standoff is driving oil volatility, while the Houthis’ attacks on shipping and Saudi energy infrastructure are cited as factors behind supply disruptions. Diplomacy at UNGA: Saudi and Yemeni officials held UNGA-side meetings, while Iran condemned strikes on Yemen’s infrastructure and civilian targets.