Saudi Arabia announces maritime defence coalition as Houthi attacks threaten Red Sea route

Saudi Arabia is building an international coalition to protect key shipping routes that transport Saudi oil exports from repeated attacks by Yemeni Houthi militias.

Saudi Arabia reportedly carried out airstrikes on Houthi-controlled Sana'a on Thursday, as regional tensions escalated following a series of attacks on the kingdom that Saudi officials say involved cooperation between Yemen's Houthi rebels and Iran-backed armed groups in Iraq.

After long resisting open involvement in the conflict that has pitted Iran and its allies against the United States and their partners since February 28, Saudi Arabia appears to have drawn lessons from a new reality: The war is far from over.

Saudi Arabia is reportedly preparing for a major military offensive against Yemen's Houthi movement, with reports suggesting coordinated sea and land operations could be under consideration.