Analysis & Reports

Saudi Arabia closed the East-West pipeline on September 10-11, 2026, following drone attacks launched from Iraq and Houthi advances in the Bab al-Mandab Strait. The Houthi movement captured key locations along the Red Sea coast, threatening Saudi oil exports and highlighting vulnerabilities in the kingdom's defense infrastructure. This situation raises concerns about regional security and the ability of Saudi forces to respond effectively to multi-front threats.

Ahmed Al-RashidSat Sep 12 2026Loading...

Houthi forces captured the coastal city of Al-Mokha on September 10, 2026, following the withdrawal of Saudi-backed forces. This strategic gain allows the Houthis to exert pressure on Bab al-Mandab and Saudi Arabia, amidst rising tensions and attacks on maritime shipping in the region. The situation indicates a significant shift in control and potential escalation in the conflict.

Ahmed Al-RashidThu Sep 10 2026Loading...

Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar, are investing in alternative routes to the Strait of Hormuz due to security concerns. Traffic through the strait has significantly decreased, prompting these nations to enhance their logistical capabilities and diversify their export routes. This shift indicates a lack of confidence in the security of traditional maritime pathways, as military threats persist in the region.

Ahmed Al-RashidSun Aug 30 2026Loading...

Houthi forces launched ballistic missiles at a Saudi Navy landing ship off Mocha on August 17, resulting in a fire on the ship and the sinking of several accompanying boats. This attack signifies a notable escalation in Houthi military operations against Saudi naval assets. The Saudi response has been silent, raising concerns about their ability to protect their maritime interests in the Red Sea.

Ahmed Al-RashidTue Aug 18 2026Loading...

Houthi forces launched a double missile attack on the Egyptian cargo ship 'Tehama' in Bab al-Mandab on August 12, resulting in six fatalities and ten injuries. The attack included a follow-up strike on rescue operations, killing at least two soldiers. This incident signifies a dangerous escalation in the ongoing Yemen conflict, with implications for maritime security in the region.

Ahmed Al-RashidFri Aug 14 2026Loading...

Houthi forces attacked the Egyptian cargo ship 'Tehama' in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait on August 11, killing four crew members and injuring ten others during a subsequent strike on rescue teams. This incident marks a significant escalation in Houthi maritime operations, expanding their targeting to any vessel in the area. The blockade has led to a notable decrease in maritime traffic, raising concerns over the safety of commercial shipping in the region.

Ahmed Al-RashidWed Aug 12 2026Loading...

Saudi Arabia announced the formation of a maritime coalition on July 30, 2026, involving 14 countries to protect Bab el-Mandeb. This coalition aims to enhance maritime security in the Red Sea and respond to regional threats, particularly from Iranian-backed militias. Notably, the UAE and Oman did not participate in the initial signing, reflecting regional sensitivities. The coalition seeks to establish a framework for collective maritime defense among over 50 nations.

Ahmed Al-RashidTue Aug 04 2026Loading...

On July 30, 2026, Elbit Systems revealed a maritime UAV carrier designed to launch and recover 12 Hermes 650 drones. This development allows commercial vessels to serve as UAV platforms, enhancing surveillance and strike capabilities in the Gulf and Red Sea. The Hermes 650 can operate with minimal space and supports automated functions, potentially changing military dynamics in the region.

Ahmed Al-RashidThu Jul 30 2026Loading...

Houthi forces launched a missile strike on Jizan, Saudi Arabia, on July 25, 2026, testing the kingdom's defenses amid rising tensions. The attack coincided with a maritime blockade declared by the Houthis and threats to Saudi shipping in the Red Sea. Saudi Arabia confirmed minor damage to a vessel but is under pressure to manage multiple threats while relying on U.S. military support.

Ahmed Al-RashidSat Jul 25 2026Loading...

Houthi forces attacked two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea on July 23, 2026, causing one tanker, Encelia, to send a distress signal after being hit near Jazan. This incident has raised Brent crude oil prices above $100 per barrel, indicating heightened concerns over maritime security in the region. The attack reflects the Houthi strategy of disrupting shipping routes without needing a traditional naval fleet.

Ahmed Al-RashidFri Jul 24 2026Loading...

Houthi forces attacked two Saudi oil tankers, Encelia and Layla, in the Red Sea on July 22, 2023, using ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones. The attack highlights the strategic significance of Bab al-Mandeb as a chokepoint for Saudi oil exports. Saudi Arabia confirmed damage to the Encelia but reported no casualties among the crew. This incident escalates tensions in the region and poses a threat to maritime security.

Ahmed Al-RashidThu Jul 23 2026Loading...

Turkey tested the Typhoon Block 3 missile on July 4, 2026, successfully hitting a small maritime target. The missile, with a range of 800 km, poses a potential threat to Israel, as it can target moving vessels in the Eastern Mediterranean. This development raises concerns for Israel regarding Turkey's growing military capabilities and its implications for regional security.

Ahmed Al-RashidWed Jul 22 2026Loading...

Israel is deploying modified commercial vessels as floating bases for 9 to 12 Hermes 650 Spark drones in the Eastern Mediterranean as of July 15, 2026. This initiative by Elbit Systems aims to enhance maritime surveillance and early warning capabilities while providing a cost-effective alternative to traditional aircraft carriers. The concept is positioned against competitors in the drone maritime market, particularly targeting regional threats to Israeli gas platforms.

Ahmed Al-RashidFri Jul 17 2026Loading...

Elbit Systems revealed plans to convert commercial ships into floating drone bases capable of operating 9 to 12 Hermes 650 Spark drones, aimed at enhancing surveillance over gas fields in the Eastern Mediterranean. This concept, announced on July 15, 2026, is positioned as a cost-effective alternative to traditional aircraft carriers, reflecting a shift in military strategy towards utilizing existing commercial vessels for defense purposes.

Ahmed Al-RashidWed Jul 15 2026Loading...

Iran reopened the air bridge between Tehran and Sanaa on July 6, 2026, following the arrival of an Iranian civilian flight carrying over 200 individuals. The Houthis issued threats against Saudi airports and maritime interests, asserting their capability to retaliate against any Saudi attempts to intercept flights. This development signifies a strategic military and political maneuver by Iran and the Houthis to enhance their operational presence in the region.

Ahmed Al-RashidTue Jul 07 2026Loading...

Houthi forces approached a commercial ship near Balhaf on June 10, 2026, engaging in a firefight with the ship's security team. This incident follows a missile threat against Israeli shipping in the Red Sea, highlighting ongoing military tensions in the region. The Houthi's actions are part of a broader strategy to disrupt maritime security and influence regional negotiations.

Ahmed Al-RashidFri Jun 19 2026Loading...

Israeli Defense Forces expanded their operations in southern Lebanon on May 31, 2026, occupying Château de Cheikh and launching efforts to dismantle Hezbollah's infrastructure. This military action aims to establish a new security zone and has resulted in significant territorial gains. The U.S. is mediating a ceasefire as the conflict continues to escalate, with over 1.2 million Lebanese displaced.

Ahmed Al-RashidMon Jun 01 2026Loading...

The European Aspides mission is expanding to include four ships to enhance protection for shipping in the Strait of Hormuz as of May 28, 2026. This expansion aims to address the challenges posed by Iranian military threats and ensure freedom of navigation in a critical global energy corridor. The mission currently operates with limited naval assets, highlighting the logistical difficulties faced by European forces in the region.

Ahmed Al-RashidSat May 30 2026Loading...

On May 25, 2026, Iranian military jamming of GNSS systems affected approximately 1100 ships in the Strait of Hormuz, revealing vulnerabilities in maritime defense. This electronic warfare tactic complicates navigation and raises operational risks for vessels in the region. Concurrently, U.S. forces conducted defensive strikes against Iranian missile launch sites, indicating ongoing military tensions.

Ahmed Al-RashidThu May 28 2026Loading...

Trump announced that negotiations to end the U.S.-Iran war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz are nearing completion, with key involvement from Pakistan and other Gulf states. The agreement aims to establish a ceasefire and address maritime operations, while deferring discussions on Iran's nuclear program to later talks. This shift reflects a focus on regional stability rather than military victory.

Ahmed Al-RashidSat May 23 2026Loading...