Analysis & Reports

AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources

Saudi Arabia Closes the East-West Corridor After Drone Attacks and Houthi Control of Bab al-Mandab in 2026

Military OperationsLogisticsOperational

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-RashidAhmed Al-RashidSat Sep 12 2026

Saudi, UAE, and Qatari Investments in Alternatives to Hormuz Reveal the Limits of Gulf Security in 2026

Political-MilitaryLogisticsStrategic

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-RashidAhmed Al-RashidSun Aug 30 2026
Houthi Attack on Jizan Tests Saudi Arabia's Defense After $41 Billion American Deals

Houthi Attack on Jizan Tests Saudi Arabia's Defense After $41 Billion American Deals

Military OperationsWeapons & EquipmentLogisticsHybrid

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-RashidAhmed Al-RashidSat Jul 25 2026
Expanding Aspides to Hormuz with Four European Ships Reveals the Inability to Protect a Fifth of Global Energy in 2026

Expanding Aspides to Hormuz with Four European Ships Reveals the Inability to Protect a Fifth of Global Energy in 2026

Military OperationsLogisticsOperational

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-RashidAhmed Al-RashidSat May 30 2026

Three Carriers, 97 Sorties, and a Broken Shield: The Gulf Military Picture in Late April 2026

Military OperationsLogisticsStrategic AssessmentHybrid

The United States significantly increased its military presence in the Middle East, conducting 97 heavy transport sorties and deploying three aircraft carriers. An Iranian F-5 successfully bombed Camp Buehring in Kuwait, highlighting vulnerabilities in U.S. air defenses. Concurrently, Iran escalated tensions by attacking commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz, complicating the regional security environment.

Ahmed Al-RashidAhmed Al-RashidWed Apr 29 2026