Houthis Claim Drone and Missile Attack on Saudi Base

The Houthi group, an Iran-allied movement based in Yemen, claimed on Sunday, September 13, 2026, to have launched a drone and missile attack targeting a military base in southern Saudi Arabia. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree stated via the social media platform X that the attack was directed at "weapons depots and command and control centres that are managing the aggression against our nation and people." This claim comes amidst renewed fighting between Houthi forces and Yemen's internationally recognized government forces, which has reportedly led to a growing number of civilians fleeing their homes. The specific base targeted was identified as the Sharurah base, located in the southern region of Saudi Arabia. The Sharurah base is a significant military installation within the Kingdom. The Houthis have been engaged in a protracted conflict in Yemen since late 2014, when they seized control of the capital, Sanaa, and much of the country's north. This has led to a complex civil war, with a Saudi-led coalition intervening in 2015 to support the Yemeni government. The conflict has resulted in one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, with widespread displacement, food insecurity, and a high civilian death toll. The Houthis have frequently launched cross-border attacks into Saudi Arabia, utilizing drones and ballistic missiles. These attacks have often targeted military infrastructure, airports, and oil facilities. Saudi Arabia, in turn, has conducted airstrikes against Houthi targets within Yemen. The United Nations and various international organizations have been involved in efforts to broker a peace settlement and provide humanitarian aid. However, the conflict remains largely unresolved, with ongoing skirmishes and periodic escalations. The recent claim of an attack on the Sharurah base indicates a continuation of these hostilities and a potential intensification of the conflict in the region. The targeting of "command and control centres" suggests an attempt by the Houthis to disrupt the operational capabilities of the Saudi-led coalition and Yemeni government forces. The displacement of civilians, as reported in conjunction with the renewed fighting, underscores the severe human cost of the ongoing conflict. The situation remains fluid, with international attention focused on de-escalation efforts and the humanitarian consequences.