The US and Saudi Arabia are tightening their military coordination against Houthi rebels in Yemen. The development comes as Saudi air defenses recently intercepted a Houthi ballistic missile targeting southern Saudi Arabia, prompting the Saudi-led coalition to promise “unprecedented” force in response.
What’s actually happening
Trump redesignated the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization in 2025, a move that gave Washington more legal tools to squeeze the group financially and militarily.
A ceasefire brokered with Oman’s help in May 2025 reduced some hostilities, but the Houthis continued operations, particularly those targeting Israeli interests.
The US military has historically executed over 1,100 strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen.
