Analysis & Reports

Turkey is preparing to deploy troops and air defense systems to Saudi Arabia within weeks, following Houthi attacks that prompted Saudi Arabia to activate its defense commitments with Turkey and Pakistan. This deployment aims to enhance Saudi air defense capabilities and reflects a strategic shift in Saudi defense reliance. The situation is being closely monitored as it involves significant military and political implications for the region.

Ahmed Al-RashidWed Oct 07 2026Loading...

Yemeni government forces, with Saudi air support, engaged Houthi forces along Yemen's western coast from October 5 to 7, 2023. The Saudi-Pakistan-Turkey defense alliance decided to deploy military forces in response to ongoing Houthi missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia. Houthi forces claimed to have successfully repelled government advances and continued their assaults on Saudi targets, including airports.

On October 5, 2023, Yemeni government forces recaptured the strategic port city of Mocha from Houthi control amid escalating military operations. The Saudi-led coalition launched airstrikes against Houthi targets, destroying numerous military assets. In retaliation, Houthi forces conducted missile strikes against Saudi Arabia. Additionally, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey activated a collective defense mechanism during an emergency meeting in Riyadh.

Yemeni government forces launched a counteroffensive against Houthi positions near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait on October 5, 2023. Supported by the Saudi-led coalition's air power, they advanced from multiple directions in the Taiz Governorate. The operation aims to reclaim strategic areas and disrupt Houthi supply lines, with reports of several positions being recaptured.

On October 4, 2026, the Yemeni government launched a large-scale operation to regain control of Taiz from Houthi forces, potentially mobilizing over 100,000 fighters. This operation aims to break the Houthi blockade in the Red Sea and secure maritime navigation. Saudi Arabia supports the Yemeni forces, while the U.S. has opted not to participate in the operation at this time.

Ahmed Al-RashidMon Oct 05 2026Loading...

On April 4, 2023, Yemeni government forces launched military operations to reclaim areas controlled by Houthi forces, which included missile and drone strikes against Saudi facilities in Riyadh and Hajjah. The Houthi movement responded with attacks on Saudi Aramco facilities. Iran indicated its readiness to facilitate dialogue between the conflicting parties while also announcing plans to enhance its missile capabilities.

Yemeni President Rashad al-Alimi announced on October 4, 2023, the initiation of a military operation to reclaim areas controlled by Houthi forces. The operation follows weeks of military mobilization and aims to restore national territory. Houthi forces have recently captured significant regions, including parts of Taiz province, leading to the displacement of thousands of residents.

The Yemeni government has initiated a military campaign to reclaim territory from the Iran-backed Houthis, who have controlled Sanaa and significant areas since 2014. The Houthis retaliated with missile and drone strikes on Saudi Arabia, claiming these were in response to recent airstrikes. The U.S. is supporting Saudi operations with intelligence, while the Houthis have gained ground near Taiz, posing a threat to the city and its civilian population.

Saudi Arabia and Yemen are preparing for a large-scale military operation against Houthi forces to regain control of Bab al-Mandab, with plans to commence within days. The operation involves over 100,000 troops, although this figure remains unverified. U.S. officials confirmed that the U.S. will not directly participate, focusing instead on intelligence support. Houthi missile attacks on Saudi territory persist, indicating ongoing conflict.

Ahmed Al-RashidSat Oct 03 2026Loading...

Saudi Arabia is preparing to launch an offensive against Houthi militants in Yemen, focusing on either a coastal push or a multi-front assault. The operation, expected in the coming weeks, will involve over 100,000 Yemeni troops and will be supported by Saudi air strikes. The offensive aims to regain control of the Bab el-Mandeb strait, which the Houthis recently seized, impacting key shipping routes.

The United States is deploying a third aircraft carrier and 10,000 additional troops to the Middle East as of October 1, 2026, amid escalating tensions with Iran. This move aims to enhance military readiness and deterrence in the region, particularly in response to threats against U.S. allies. Concurrently, Saudi Arabia is addressing its defense strategy in light of recent missile and drone threats.

Ahmed Al-RashidFri Oct 02 2026Loading...

The U.S. military officially completed the withdrawal of approximately 2,500 troops and equipment from Erbil Air Base in Iraq, marking the end of Operation Inherent Resolve against ISIS. U.S. Central Command announced that the mission will now be headquartered in Jordan, with Iraqi security forces taking primary responsibility for counter-ISIS operations. Concerns have emerged regarding the security of the Kurdistan region following the removal of U.S. air defense equipment.

The United States completed the withdrawal of its last remaining military forces from Iraq, departing from Erbil Air Base in 2024. This marks the end of over two decades of military operations in the country. The responsibility for Iraq's security now lies with the Iraqi government, while the US continues to support counterterrorism efforts.

U.S. forces are set to withdraw from Iraq by Wednesday, marking the end of a two-decade military presence. This move is celebrated by Iran and its allies, who anticipate increased influence in the region. Iraqi security experts express concerns that the withdrawal may lead to a resurgence of the Islamic State and that Iraq is not fully prepared to manage its own security. Iran's deputy chairman of the National Security Commission views the U.S. exit as a victory for its axis of resistance.

USS Theodore Roosevelt departed San Diego on September 27, 2026, for an extended deployment in the Middle East, becoming the fifth U.S. aircraft carrier involved in operations related to the Iran war. The carrier, with a crew of 5,000, will relieve the USS George Washington and is implementing logistical improvements based on lessons learned from previous deployments.

USS Theodore Roosevelt departed San Diego on September 27, 2026, and is currently conducting routine operations in the Pacific. It is preparing for an extended deployment to the Middle East, making it the fifth U.S. aircraft carrier involved in operations related to the Iran war. The Navy is applying lessons learned from previous deployments to enhance sailor conditions during this mission.

On April 3, 2026, U.S. forces conducted a rescue operation for the crew of a downed F-15E in Iran, utilizing A-10 Warthogs for air support. The A-10s targeted Iranian fast-attack boats in the Strait of Hormuz, demonstrating their adaptability in maritime operations. The operation highlighted the ongoing relevance of older aircraft in modern military engagements, as the A-10's retirement has been postponed to 2030.

Houthi forces regained control of strategic coastal areas in Yemen, including the Bab el Mandeb Strait, in September 2023. They are employing advanced drone tactics against Saudi Arabia, which has failed to effectively counter these advances. This situation has disrupted global shipping routes and highlighted the weaknesses of the Saudi-led coalition.

The Israeli Defense Forces reported that an engineering vehicle was attacked by an explosive device near the Yellow Line on the evening of the 21st. In response, they conducted strikes against Hamas military infrastructure, which they accused of planning attacks against Israeli personnel. The IDF emphasized their ongoing deployment in accordance with the ceasefire agreement while condemning the attack as a violation of the truce.

Alexander the Great engaged in military campaigns to suppress rebellions in Thessaly and Illyria, employing tactical deception and surprise attacks. After defeating King Cleitus of Illyria, he swiftly marched to Thebes to quell a revolt, burning the city as a warning. These actions were crucial in securing his rule over Greece.