Saudi Arabia–Houthi War LIVE: Latest Strikes, Yemen Fighting and Middle East Updates

Security alerts have reportedly been lifted in the Saudi Arabian capital Riyadh and the southwestern cities of Abha and Khamis Mushait following earlier warnings over possible incoming missile or drone threats.

The alerts were initially reported in all three locations, with Riyadh's warning subsequently lifted before similar updates emerged from Abha and Khamis Mushait.

The warnings followed claims by Yemen's Ansarallah movement that Saudi aircraft conducted 53 airstrikes across Yemen during the previous 24 hours, targeting Sana'a, Taiz, Ibb, Lahij, Saada and Amran.

Houthi officials alleged that the strikes caused numerous civilian casualties, predominantly women and children. Those claims remain independently unverified.

There has been no independent confirmation of missile or drone launches towards Saudi Arabia, any interceptions by Saudi air defences or whether the alerts were directly connected to the reported airstrikes in Yemen.

Security alerts have been reported in the Saudi Arabian cities of Riyadh, Abha and Khamis Mushait amid concerns over possible incoming missile or drone attacks from Yemen's Ansarallah movement.

The alerts follow allegations by Houthi officials that Saudi warplanes conducted 53 airstrikes across Yemen during the past 24 hours, targeting the capital Sana'a and the provinces of Taiz, Ibb, Lahij, Saada and Amran.

Houthi officials claim the bombardment caused numerous civilian casualties, with women and children accounting for most of those affected. The casualty figures have not been independently verified.

The reported alerts have raised the possibility of retaliatory Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia. 

Ansarallah forces have reportedly captured Jabal Al-Madraj and Madreei on the northwestern outskirts of Taiz, Yemen, as clashes continue around the headquarters of the 35th Armoured Brigade and the city's Old Airport area.

A battlefield assessment dated Saturday, 17 October, indicates that Ansarallah fighters have advanced towards several positions previously held by forces loyal to the internationally recognised Yemeni government.

Further west, Ansarallah forces may have secured positions on Jabal Han, although control of the mountain remains unclear.

Fighting is also continuing east of the Al-Hanjar checkpoint, where Ansarallah forces reportedly advanced earlier in the day before being forced to withdraw from some positions following counterattacks.

The accompanying battlefield map identifies several reported airstrike locations near Jabal Al-Madraj and the 35th Armoured Brigade headquarters. The identity of the aircraft involved, the extent of any damage and potential casualties have not been independently established.

France has called on Israel to arrest settlers accused of violently assaulting a French mayor during a visit to the occupied West Bank.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said Bernard Baudoux, mayor of Aulnoye-Aymeries, was attacked by what he described as “extremist settlers” in the Palestinian village of Taybeh.

In a social media post on Saturday, Barrot condemned the assault and called for action against those responsible.

Israeli authorities “must urgently put an end to this criminal violence and ensure the safety of the civilian population”, he said.

Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Houthi movement have resumed major hostilities, with airstrikes, missile attacks and ground fighting reported across Yemen and Saudi Arabia.

The escalation follows the breakdown of a truce that had largely contained fighting since 2022.

Saudi Arabia launches major airstrikes across Yemen

Saudi warplanes have carried out strikes against Houthi-controlled areas, including the capital Sana'a and the provinces of Taiz, Ibb, Lahij, Saada and Amran.

The Houthis have accused Saudi Arabia of targeting civilian infrastructure and causing casualties, including women and children.

Houthi military officials have claimed that Saudi-led forces have conducted more than 2,500 air and missile attacks since the latest escalation began.

Houthis launch missile and drone attacks against Saudi Arabia

Houthi forces have launched missile and drone attacks targeting Saudi military installations, airports and energy infrastructure.

Saudi authorities have reported intercepting incoming projectiles, while some attacks have caused casualties and damage.

The exchanges have brought fighting beyond Yemen's borders, with both sides continuing military operations.

Ground fighting intensifies across Yemen

Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces and Houthi fighters have continued fighting across several fronts.

The Houthis retain control of Sana'a and significant parts of northern Yemen, while forces aligned with Yemen's internationally recognised government operate in other parts of the country.

Reports indicate renewed fighting around Taiz and other strategically important areas.

Red Sea shipping faces renewed threats

The conflict has raised concerns over shipping through the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait, one of the world's most important maritime routes.

The Houthis have previously targeted commercial vessels using missiles and drones, disrupting international shipping.

Further military activity around Yemen's western coastline has increased concerns about the safety of vessels navigating the region.

Regional powers respond to the escalation

Saudi Arabia's military operations have prompted diplomatic activity across the Middle East, with regional governments assessing the consequences of renewed fighting.

Iran's relationship with the Houthis remains a major factor in the conflict, while Saudi Arabia and its regional partners continue to monitor threats to their territory and infrastructure.

Civilian casualties and humanitarian concerns

Years of conflict have left Yemen facing one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises.

Renewed airstrikes and ground fighting have added to concerns over civilian casualties, displacement and access to essential supplies.

Humanitarian organisations continue to warn about the impact of military operations on hospitals, food supplies and displaced families.