Analysis & Reports

Houthi forces attacked a Saudi military base using drones and missiles and captured Perlin Island on November 11, escalating the conflict in Yemen. The U.S. is facing a dilemma as Saudi Arabia seeks military support while the Houthis threaten international shipping in the Mandeb Strait. U.S. President Trump confirmed discussions with Saudi officials regarding the situation.

Iran launched severe drone and missile attacks on the U.S. Navy base in Bahrain, causing extensive damage and leading to the evacuation of over 1,000 military family members. The base, critical for the Navy's operations in the Middle East, has been rendered largely unusable, with supplies being redirected to Diego Garcia. The Navy's leadership has indicated that a return to the base is not imminent.

Oman and the United States held a joint military committee meeting in Washington on September 12, 2026, to enhance military cooperation amid security challenges in the Gulf. The discussions focused on strengthening military collaboration and operational readiness, particularly in response to recent disruptions in maritime navigation due to Iranian actions. The partnership aims to improve maritime security while maintaining Oman's political independence.

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Houthi forces captured Mayyun Island from September 11 to 13, 2026, exerting pressure on Saudi Arabia's security. They also attacked oil pipelines between Riyadh and Medina using drones launched from Iraq. Concurrent artillery strikes in Jizan province resulted in civilian injuries and damage. This series of events highlights the escalating military threat to Saudi Arabia from Houthi forces and their capabilities.

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Houthi forces attacked civilian targets in Tuwal, Jazan Province, Saudi Arabia, on September 12, injuring 2 people and damaging several buildings and vehicles. The Saudi Civil Defense condemned the attack as a violation of international humanitarian law. In response, Houthi forces warned of retaliation against recent Saudi airstrikes in Yemen.

The Saudi Air Force conducted 129 airstrikes against Houthi positions across seven provinces in Yemen over the past 48 hours. The airstrikes involved F-15 and Typhoon fighter jets targeting areas including Taiz, Marib, and Hodeidah. Houthi forces have intensified their offensive, capturing significant territory and warning of retaliation against the airstrikes.

Houthi forces launched a significant military operation against Saudi military facilities in Shaybah, utilizing a large number of ballistic missiles and drones. The attack targeted a weapons depot and a command control center, resulting in precise strikes. Houthi spokesperson Yahya warned of escalated actions if Saudi military operations against Yemen persist.

Saudi Arabia shut down the East-West pipeline (Petroline) on September 12 following a drone attack attributed to Iraq. The incident underscores vulnerabilities in Saudi energy infrastructure and raises concerns about regional security. Multiple sources reported the attack, although Iraqi factions disputed responsibility, complicating the situation further.

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Saudi Arabia halted the operation of the East-West pipeline on September 12, 2026, after a drone attack damaged facilities along its route, reportedly launched from Iraq. The Houthi movement has taken control of the entire Yemeni coastline along the Red Sea, complicating Saudi Arabia's military response. This incident highlights the vulnerabilities in Saudi Arabia's energy infrastructure and the challenges posed by low-cost drone attacks.

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Houthi forces advanced to Pylin Island, controlling nearby coastal areas on September 11, 2023. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman requested U.S. military action against the Houthis, which was denied, with the U.S. offering intelligence support instead. This escalation raises concerns about the security of maritime routes in the region and the potential for increased U.S.-Iran tensions.

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.

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Houthi forces have launched a large-scale military operation since September 3, controlling significant territory in western Yemen, including Taiz and Hodeidah provinces. They have engaged in combat with enemy forces, inflicting casualties and capturing strategic locations such as Zubab and Pilin Island. The Yemeni government forces are regrouping in Lahij Province, about 90 kilometers from Aden, as Houthi forces continue their advance southward.

Houthi forces captured approximately 5,400 square kilometers of territory in western Yemen since September 3, 2023, and are advancing southward. They have taken control of the entire western coast, including the strategic Zubab near the Maneh Strait. The Houthi spokesperson reported significant enemy casualties and the downing of Saudi aircraft, while the Yemeni government has retreated to Lahij Province, approximately 90 kilometers from Aden.

Two ships were struck by unknown projectiles near Khasab, Oman, on September 11, 2026, resulting in one ship catching fire. Concurrently, Iranian ballistic missile strikes caused significant damage to the Muwaffaq Salti / Al Azraq base in Jordan, consuming approximately 30 Patriot missiles. This dual incident highlights the ongoing military pressure from Iran on maritime and air defense systems in the region.

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A soldier was awarded a Bronze Star for valor following an Iranian drone strike on March 1, 2026, at Port Shuaiba, Kuwait, which killed six Army Reserve soldiers. Sgt. 1st Class Oscar M. McGrew was recognized for his extraordinary heroism during the attack. This incident marked the deadliest event for U.S. troops in the ongoing conflict with Iran.

In 1998, Chong Lot Travel Agency acquired the unfinished Varyag aircraft carrier from Ukraine for $20 million, intending to convert it into a floating casino in Macau. However, the vessel was ultimately towed to China and reconstructed, becoming the Liaoning, the first aircraft carrier of the People's Liberation Army Navy. This acquisition marked a significant step in China's naval capabilities, transitioning from a tourism project to a military asset.

Over 100 U.S. military advisors are providing intelligence and target location support to Saudi Arabia in its operations against Houthi forces. This support, which includes the use of real-time battlefield targeting tools, is limited and does not involve direct military engagement. The advisors are part of a newly formed joint command established in recent weeks.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman requested military assistance from U.S. President Donald Trump to combat the Iran-aligned Houthis in Yemen. The U.S. responded by offering intelligence sharing rather than direct military action. U.S. Central Command's Adm. Brad Cooper visited Saudi Arabia for discussions amid escalating Houthi threats in the Red Sea.

The US military shifted its strategy post-9/11, focusing on counter-terrorism rather than great power competition. This led to the cancellation of the F-22 Raptor procurement and the development of the Littoral Combat Ship. The invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan were pivotal military operations that shaped US defense policy for decades.

Mohammed Yazouri, a senior commander of the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, was killed in an Israeli assassination operation in Khan Younis on September 10, 2023. The Israeli Defense Forces confirmed the operation, which targeted Yazouri due to his involvement in Hamas's recent military actions against Israel.