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SAUDI – HOUTHIS
44 ENTRIES · 2004 – TODAYEvery recorded development, newest first. Entries carrying a score are this tracker's own assessments; the rest are the canonical record — verified history, each entry citing its source.
- 2026-08-19 AM
Ansar Allah launches drone strikes targeting the Saudi Aramco oil refinery in Jizan.
On August 18, 2026, Houthi forces targeted Saudi Aramco's oil refinery facility in Jizan with drones. The strike represents a direct attack on Saudi energy infrastructure amid renewed cross-border hostilities.
- 2026-08-17 PM
Ansar Allah claims missile strikes on Saudi military vessels off Mocha.
Houthi forces claimed targeting a Saudi military landing ship and four patrol craft with ballistic missiles and drones off the coast of Mocha. Yemeni army sources reported five ballistic missiles launched toward Bab al-Mandeb and Red Sea shipping lanes.
- 2026-08-12 PM
Houthi forces launch fatal Red Sea ship attack and sustain missile strikes on Mokha
A Houthi attack on a commercial vessel in the Red Sea killed six crew members, including three Pakistani nationals and one Indonesian. Concurrently, Houthi forces launched ten missiles and four drones targeting Yemen's western coast and Mokha port over four consecutive days.
- 2026-08-11 PM
Fatal Houthi missile strike on commercial vessel near Bab el-Mandeb kills three crew members.
- 2026-08-07
UN warns that Yemen faces its greatest risk of renewed large-scale conflict since the 2022 truce
The UN Special Envoy warned that Yemen faced a greater risk of renewed large-scale conflict than at any point since April 2022. He cited recent Ansar Allah attacks in Marib and Hadramawt that reportedly caused significant casualties, renewed attacks on commercial shipping, strikes on civilian infrastructure including airports, and heightened regional tensions. The Security Council separately condemned Houthi missile attacks against Saudi Arabia since 13 July and commercial-vessel attacks since 22 July.
- 2026-07-22 onward
Houthi attacks on commercial shipping resume
The UN Special Envoy and Secretary-General reported a resumption of Houthi attacks on commercial shipping and renewed disruption or threats to navigation in the Red Sea. For each vessel incident, separately record the vessel, location, date, claimed responsibility, verified damage, casualties, and source.
- 2026-07-03 to 2026-07-19
Airport, airspace, and Saudi border tensions reopen escalation risk
UN officials raised concern over developments involving Yemeni airspace and airports. The Security Council later condemned unauthorized aircraft landings at Sana’a International Airport on 3 July and Hudaydah Airport on 13 July, and Houthi missile attacks against Saudi Arabia beginning on 13 July.
- 2026-06-16
UN Envoy says relative calm continues but Yemen’s conflict remains unresolved
The UN Special Envoy reported that relative calm inside Yemen since the 2022 truce continued and that renewed attacks on commercial shipping had not occurred in the immediate reporting period, while stressing that the conflict was unresolved. He also identified a recent Saudi grant of $150 million for fuel for power stations in government-held areas as important economic support.
- 2026-05-14
Parties agree to release more than 1,600 conflict-related detainees
After fourteen weeks of direct UN-facilitated negotiations in Amman, the parties present agreed to release more than 1,600 conflict-related detainees. This is an agreement to carry out a release; do not report all detainees as released until the transfers are independently confirmed.
- 2026-03-31
UNMHA mandate concludes after seven years
The mandate of the United Nations Mission to support the Hudaydah Agreement concluded on 31 March 2026 following a final extension and transition arrangements. Mission closure does not by itself terminate the Stockholm Agreement, establish full implementation, or prove that Hudaydah security and redeployment issues are resolved.
- March-June 2024
Red Sea escalation and external strikes obstruct the Yemen roadmap
The UN Special Envoy repeatedly warned that Houthi maritime attacks and military responses by external actors were pulling Yemen into wider regional confrontation and reducing the political space needed to translate the December roadmap commitments into an agreement. Saudi–Houthi cross-border calm did not end the unresolved Yemeni conflict.
- 2024-01-10
Security Council demands an end to Houthi attacks on commercial shipping
Resolution 2722 condemned Houthi attacks on merchant and commercial vessels, demanded their immediate cessation and the release of Galaxy Leader and its crew, and affirmed navigational rights and freedoms. The resolution addressed maritime attacks; it did not create a Yemen ceasefire or authorize the daily agent to infer responsibility for every later maritime incident.
- 2023-12-23
Parties commit to measures supporting a UN roadmap
The UN Special Envoy announced that the parties had committed to steps including a nationwide ceasefire, payment of public-sector salaries, resumption of oil exports, opening roads, easing restrictions on Sana’a airport and Hudaydah port, and preparation for an inclusive political process. These were roadmap commitments awaiting sequencing, agreement, and implementation—not a final signed settlement.
- 2023-11-19 onward
Houthis seize Galaxy Leader and open a sustained Red Sea campaign
Houthi forces seized the commercial vessel Galaxy Leader and detained its crew, then expanded attacks, attempted attacks, and seizures affecting commercial shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The Houthis linked the campaign to the Gaza war and asserted targeting criteria; those rationales and vessel associations must remain attributed rather than assumed.
- 2023-09-20
Ansar Allah delegation concludes public talks in Riyadh
An Ansar Allah delegation visited Riyadh for discussions hosted by Saudi Arabia with Omani involvement. The UN Envoy welcomed the momentum and continued engagement with the parties. The visit represented direct conflict-party diplomacy, not a signed bilateral peace treaty or a replacement for an inclusive inter-Yemeni process.
- 2023-04-14 onward
Nearly 900 detainees are released in another large exchange
The parties carried out a multi-day release and transfer of nearly 900 conflict-related detainees with UN facilitation and ICRC implementation support. The operation built on the Stockholm detainee mechanism and occurred amid broader de-escalation contacts.
- 2023-03-10
Saudi Arabia and Iran agree to restore diplomatic relations
Saudi Arabia and Iran announced a China-facilitated agreement to restore diplomatic relations and reopen embassies. The agreement changed the regional environment for Yemen diplomacy and was followed by greater Saudi–Houthi engagement. It did not itself bind the Yemeni parties or constitute a Yemen peace agreement.
- 2022-10-02 onward
Formal truce expires without renewal, while broad de-escalation persists
The parties did not agree to extend and expand the formal UN truce before its 2 October deadline. Despite the expiry, the large-scale Saudi–Houthi cross-border war did not immediately return to its pre-truce intensity, and UN reporting later described relative calm and preserved gains. Always state both facts: the truce expired, and de-escalation broadly persisted.
- 2022-04-02
UN-brokered nationwide truce enters into force
The Government of Yemen, the Saudi-led coalition, and the Houthis accepted a two-month truce. The terms halted offensive ground, air, and maritime operations inside Yemen and across its borders; facilitated fuel ships into Hudaydah ports and commercial flights through Sana’a airport; and provided for road discussions. The truce was later renewed twice.
- 2022-03-25
Houthi attacks strike Saudi civilian and energy facilities
Houthi attacks targeted civilian and energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, including a petroleum-products distribution facility in Jeddah. The coalition subsequently carried out strikes in Yemen.
- 2021-10-20
Marib offensive and Houthi cross-border attacks intensify
The Security Council and UN officials warned about the intensified Houthi offensive around Marib and continuing cross-border attacks against Saudi Arabia, alongside coalition air operations and civilian risk. Do not convert claims of advances, interceptions, or casualties from either side into confirmed figures without corroboration.
- 2021-03-22
Saudi Arabia presents an initiative for a nationwide ceasefire and talks
Saudi Arabia announced an initiative proposing a nationwide ceasefire under UN supervision, measures concerning Hudaydah fuel imports and Sana’a airport, and the resumption of political negotiations. It was a proposal and diplomatic offer, not an accepted ceasefire or completed agreement.
- 2020-10-15 to 2020-10-16
1,056 conflict-related detainees are transported home
Following negotiations connected to the Stockholm framework, the ICRC transported 1,056 released detainees on eleven flights between five cities in Yemen and Saudi Arabia. This was a completed release operation, unlike later agreements that still required implementation.
- 2020-04-08
Coalition announces a unilateral suspension of offensive operations
The Saudi-led coalition announced a unilateral suspension of offensive operations, initially for two weeks, citing support for UN peace efforts and the COVID-19 emergency. Fighting and accusations continued, and the measure did not become a mutually agreed nationwide settlement.
- 2019-09-14
Abqaiq and Khurais oil facilities are attacked
Drones and cruise missiles struck Saudi oil facilities at Abqaiq and Khurais. The Houthis claimed responsibility. Saudi Arabia and other states challenged a launch-from-Yemen account and attributed responsibility differently, while UN experts examined the weapons and attack geometry. Record the attack as confirmed and each attribution as an attributed claim or dated expert finding.
- 2019-01-16
Security Council establishes UNMHA
Resolution 2452 established the United Nations Mission to support the Hudaydah Agreement. Its mandate included supporting the Redeployment Coordination Committee, monitoring the governorate-wide ceasefire and redeployments, and facilitating implementation.
- 2018-12-13
Parties conclude the Stockholm Agreement
The Government of Yemen and Houthi delegation agreed to a ceasefire and redeployment framework for Hudaydah city and the ports of Hudaydah, Salif, and Ras Issa, issued a statement of understanding on Taiz, and agreed on a mechanism related to detainees. The agreement did not create a nationwide ceasefire or final political settlement.
- 2018-06-13
Government-aligned and coalition-backed forces launch the Hudaydah offensive
Government-aligned forces backed by coalition members began a major offensive toward Hudaydah city and port. UN officials warned that sustained fighting around the port could disrupt essential commercial and humanitarian flows.
- 2018-03-25
Houthi forces launch a series of missiles toward Saudi cities
Multiple ballistic missiles were launched from Yemen toward Riyadh and other Saudi locations. Saudi authorities reported interceptions and a civilian death from falling debris.
- 2018-01-26
UN experts report Iranian-origin missile components and embargo non-compliance
The UN Panel of Experts reported that missile remnants and related military materiel it examined included components of Iranian origin introduced after the targeted arms embargo and concluded that Iran had failed to take necessary measures to prevent prohibited transfers. The finding does not prove Iranian command of each Houthi launch or identify every transfer route.
- 2017-12-04
Houthi–Saleh alliance collapses and former president Saleh is killed
After open fighting erupted between former president Saleh’s forces and the Houthis in Sana’a, Saleh was killed and his alliance with the movement ended. Houthi authorities consolidated control over much of the capital’s security and governing apparatus.
- 2017-11-04 onward
Missile aimed at Riyadh is followed by coalition closure measures
Houthi forces launched a ballistic missile toward Riyadh, which Saudi authorities said was intercepted near the international airport. The coalition then temporarily closed Yemen’s land, sea, and air entry points, later modifying access arrangements under international pressure.
- 2016-10-08
Coalition airstrike hits a funeral hall in Sana’a
An airstrike hit a crowded funeral gathering in Sana’a, causing extensive civilian casualties. The coalition’s investigative mechanism later acknowledged that coalition aircraft struck the location following incorrect information and procedural failures.
- December 2015-August 2016
UN-led Switzerland and Kuwait talks fail to produce a final settlement
UN-facilitated talks in Switzerland in December 2015 were followed by more than three months of negotiations in Kuwait in 2016. The parties discussed security arrangements, political transition, detainees, state institutions, and withdrawals, but the round concluded without a comprehensive signed agreement.
- 2015-04-14
Security Council adopts Resolution 2216
Resolution 2216 demanded that the Houthis end violence, withdraw from areas seized including Sana’a, relinquish arms taken from military and security institutions, and cease actions falling within the authority of Yemen’s legitimate government. It expanded targeted sanctions and arms-embargo measures.
- 2015-03-26
Saudi-led coalition begins military intervention in Yemen
Saudi Arabia and coalition partners announced the start of military operations against Houthi and allied forces after Hadi’s request. Air operations, maritime and border measures, support to government-aligned forces, and later ground deployments internationalized the conflict.
- 2015-03-24
President Hadi requests military assistance from Gulf and Arab states
In a letter transmitted to the Security Council, President Hadi requested urgent military assistance from Saudi Arabia and other Gulf and Arab states, including action to protect Yemen and deter the Houthi advance. This event records the request; it does not independently resolve later legal disputes over every coalition operation.
- January-March 2015
Central government collapses, Hadi escapes, and Houthi-allied forces advance south
Houthi forces detained President Hadi and senior officials amid the collapse of the transitional government. Hadi later escaped to Aden. Houthi forces, assisted by military units loyal to former president Saleh, advanced southward, while Hadi rejected the Houthi-dominated governing arrangements.
- 2014-09-21
Houthi forces gain control in Sana’a as parties sign the Peace and National Partnership Agreement
Houthi forces captured key state and military sites in Sana’a during September 2014. On 21 September, political actors signed the UN-facilitated Peace and National Partnership Agreement. The signature did not reverse the armed seizure of power or establish stable shared governance.
- 2013-03-18 to 2014-01-25
National Dialogue Conference attempts an inclusive transition settlement
Yemen’s National Dialogue Conference convened with political parties, youth, women, civil society, the Houthi movement, southern representatives, and other constituencies. It concluded with an outcomes document, but disputes over federal design, state authority, security arrangements, and implementation persisted.
- 2011-11-23
GCC Initiative creates a negotiated presidential transition
President Ali Abdullah Saleh signed the Gulf Cooperation Council Initiative and its Implementation Mechanism, transferring presidential authority through a transitional process centered on Vice-President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi. The arrangement was a transition framework, not a settlement of the Saada conflict or a disarmament agreement.
- 2010-02-12
Government and Houthi movement enter a northern ceasefire
The Yemeni government and Houthi movement accepted ceasefire terms ending the sixth round of the Saada conflict. The agreement reduced direct fighting, including the border-war phase, but did not produce a durable political settlement or disarm the movement.
- August-November 2009
Sixth Saada war spreads to the Saudi border
The sixth Saada war displaced civilians toward the Saudi frontier. In November, Saudi Arabia reported that Houthi fighters attacked or entered Saudi territory, and Saudi forces became directly engaged along the border.
- June 2004 onward
Modern Saada insurgency begins in northern Yemen
Fighting began in Saada Governorate between the Yemeni state and followers of Hussein Badreddin al-Houthi. Hussein was killed during the first round, and Abdulmalik al-Houthi subsequently assumed leadership of the movement.
— BEGINNING OF RECORD —
- Direction
- Escalating (+4.3 / 7d)
- Severity
- Extreme (76 / 100)
- Connections
- Moderate (~4 of 8)
- Cascade
- Moderate (#5 of 9)
How this was measured
| Internationalization18% | 6 | ◆ | |
| Ground combat16% | 38 | ◆ | |
| Standoff strikes14% | 38 | ◆ | |
| Nuclear escalation12% | 0 | ◆ | |
| Mobilization12% | 28 | ◆ | |
| Crisis control10% | 65 | ◆ | |
| Territorial control8% | 45 | ◆ | |
| Geographic spillover7% | 42 | ◆ | |
| Infrastructure3% | 70 | ◆ |
- ▲ 3.2 critical infrastructure attack · unverified
- ▲ 1.1 hostile rhetoric · unverified
- SAU
- UAE
- US
- NRF
- UK
- STC
- YEM
- HTH
- IRN
- AQP
- ISR
- PSE → ISR · ISRAEL-LEVANT ↔ SAUDI-HOUTHIS
August 16, 2026 | - IMEMC News266 sources - SYR → ISR · SAUDI-HOUTHIS ↔ TURKEY-EASTMED
Israeli forces enter Syria’s Quneitra countryside, raid homes11 sources - TUR → ISR · RUSSIA-NATO ↔ SAUDI-HOUTHIS
Armenian Genocide survivors' grandson says 'political motives' block recognition - AOL8 sources
One 0–100 scale for the whole conflict. 0–49 is escalation before war; 50–100 is active war and how far it has gone.
50 is not a threshold the number can cross on its own. Which side a theater sits on is decided by whether verified belligerents are fighting there, so war onset always moves the score up across 50 — the number never declares a war by climbing.
It is a stage, not a probability: 42 is not a 42% chance of war. Below 50 it grades movement toward war, above 50 the war itself.
Recomputed every third day, from open reporting by fixed formula — the model never picks a number. Between recomputations the index holds its last value rather than being re-judged without new evidence. Full construction →
Direction — which way the week pushed. Severity — where the index sits. Connections — how much of the board a shock here reaches. Cascade — that reach combined with how ready this theater is to go off.
The index reads the state of the conflict, not the volume of news. Each run grades the factors listed below against fixed rubrics, and the score follows by formula.
So a dramatic headline moves nothing unless it changes a grade. A theater already graded for recurring incursions absorbs one more without moving — it is priced in.
Open How this was measured for every grade, its movement since the last run, and the events behind it. Full construction →
WWIII.REPORT tracks the armed conflicts and flashpoints with the potential to escalate toward a global war. Every day, open-source reporting from every active theater is assessed into its 0-100 War Index, key developments, and a full situation report. A separate WW3 risk index measures how close those separate conflicts are to becoming one war.
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