AGP Executive Report

Houthi Drone Campaign: Yemen’s Houthis claimed two drone attacks on Thursday, hitting Najran airport and an Aramco facility in Saudi Arabia’s south, saying both operations “achieved their objectives,” with no immediate Saudi confirmation. Cross-Border Escalation: Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned Saudi Arabia it cannot contain the Houthis, arguing attacks intensify in response to Saudi actions in Yemen. Government Counter-Operations: Yemen’s internationally recognized government forces said they carried out 81 operations against Houthi positions over 24 hours, targeting commanders, weapons sites, and infrastructure linked to attacks. Maritime Security Shock: UKMTO reported a tanker hijacking in the Gulf of Aden east of Mukalla: six armed men boarded, seized control, and diverted the vessel toward Somalia, while authorities investigate. Red Sea Human Impact: Pakistan said six injured Pakistani sailors from a Houthi attack have returned home, with two deaths also repatriated. Regional Pressure on Shipping: Gulf states pushed talks to reopen Strait of Hormuz amid wider energy-market anxiety, as oil traders increasingly price prolonged disruption.

Red Sea Security & Yemen-Saudi Escalation: Yemen’s Armed Forces doubled down on “blockade for blockade,” saying since July 20 they targeted eight Saudi oil tankers (five in the Red Sea, three in the Gulf of Aden/Arabian Sea), prevented 48 more from passing, and carried out strikes tied to protecting Yemen’s sovereignty and hitting Saudi troop buildups. Maritime Chokepoints: The EU said its Red Sea naval mission (EUNAVFOR ASPIDES) has helped secure safe passage for over 2,300 commercial vessels in 30 months, underscoring how Yemen-linked attacks keep pressure on Bab al-Mandab and wider shipping routes. Regional Diplomacy: Japan and Saudi Arabia agreed on the need for free, safe Hormuz navigation “without additional costs,” while condemning Houthi attacks—an indirect reminder that Yemen’s conflict is now a core energy-security issue. Cultural-Political Mobilization in Sana’a & Provinces: Saba reported widespread Mawlid events across Yemen, including security and port-related ceremonies in Hodeidah and Sana’a, blending religious observance with messaging about steadfastness and resilience amid siege and war. Cultural Property Watch: Yemen’s Antiquities and Museums Authority issued its 35th list of looted artifacts, naming items tracked in major international auctions and museums and calling for halts to sales.

Taiz Frontline Update: Yemen’s army says it foiled a Houthi infiltration attempt near Taiz, forcing fighters to flee and retreat, as drone strikes earlier reportedly killed or injured Houthis around Al-Salou. Marib & Taiz Drone War: Government forces report downing a Houthi suicide drone aimed at a Marib camp and say drones hit Houthi sites across Saada, Marib, Taiz, and Shabwa, while the National Defense Council vows expanded “deterrence” against threats to camps and civilian areas. Scale of Yemen-Houthi Operations: Pro-government media and officials cite a surge of strikes, including claims of 133 operations in 24 hours, as fighting intensifies after relative calm. Red Sea Pressure & Saudi Claims: Houthis again claim maritime pressure on Saudi-linked shipping—targeting tankers and turning back dozens—while also asserting drone attacks on Saudi oil and military deployments. International Angle on Yemen Stability: Japan’s FM Motegi met Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council, stressing Yemen’s stability for Bab al-Mandeb security and reaffirming support for the Yemeni Coast Guard and UN Yemen efforts. Regional Escalation Context: The wider Iran–U.S. standoff and Hormuz tensions continue to shape the Red Sea risk environment, with new claims of possible wider retaliation beyond the Middle East.

Yemen Conflict & Red Sea Security: The UN warned that Houthi attacks on Saudi targets risk widening Yemen’s war into a broader regional confrontation, urging respect for civilian protection and freedom of navigation. Maritime Incidents: UKMTO reported a cargo ship off Yemen near Mocha was hit by multiple unknown projectiles and declared a constructive total loss; Houthis also claimed attacks on coalition-linked vessels in the same area. Houthi Strikes on Saudi Infrastructure: Yemeni forces and rebel media both point to renewed drone/missile pressure on Saudi Aramco sites, including claims of hits in Jizan and Jazan, while Yemen’s government says it is enforcing a “blockade for blockade” approach. Battlefield Escalation: Government-aligned forces in Shabwa claimed drone strikes killed Houthi fighters and destroyed vehicles, while fighting reports also surfaced around Taiz and Hodeidah, including missile impacts on civilian farmland east of Al-Khawkhah. Regional Pressure from Iran-US Tensions: As US-Iran diplomacy stalls over the Strait of Hormuz, shipping through the region remains constrained, feeding uncertainty that directly affects Yemen’s Bab el-Mandeb corridor.

Yemen Frontlines: Yemen’s internationally recognized government says it carried out 133 operations against Houthi targets in 24 hours, using rockets, artillery and drones across multiple fronts, as fighting intensifies around Mokha and Bab al-Mandeb. Red Sea & Saudi Strikes: The Houthis claim drone attacks on Saudi Aramco facilities in Jizan and also target Saudi vessels in the Red Sea, while Yemen’s forces report drone and artillery strikes on Houthi positions in places like al-Makha, Harib and Bayhan. Regional Maritime Security: Saudi Arabia launched a Saudi-led Multinational Maritime Defense Coalition to protect the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb and Gulf of Aden, with Yemen among the endorsers. UN/De-escalation Pressure: UN-linked reporting warns Yemen is at high risk of returning to full-scale conflict as civilian toll concerns grow. Hormuz Fallout (Context): US-Iran talks are off after the ceasefire deadline expired, with Iran warning of a “fully offensive” posture; shipping disruptions keep oil prices elevated, feeding wider regional pressure. Humanitarian/Detention: Segil Center says 44 Syrians remain detained in Israeli prisons without charges, with families protesting for release.

US-Iran Deadlock: A 60-day U.S.-Iran deadline for a long-term peace framework expired Monday with no deal, as both sides harden positions over reopening the Strait of Hormuz and lifting a U.S. blockade; Iran signals a shift to a “fully offensive” posture while Washington rules out extending a ceasefire, keeping Yemen and the Red Sea on edge. Strait of Hormuz Pressure: Trump renewed threats toward Oman over its Strait shipping talks with Iran, while oil prices jumped above $90 as tanker traffic slows and supply risks rise. Houthi-Red Sea Escalation: Houthis struck Yemen’s Mokha port area again, with reports of missiles hitting seaport infrastructure and attacks on vessels near Bab al-Mandeb; they also claimed strikes on Saudi military ships and an arms depot in Marib. Yemeni Army Offensive: Yemen’s armed forces announced 133+ operations against Houthi positions in 24 hours, continuing a high-tempo campaign as UN rights chief Volker Türk warned Yemen risks sliding back into full-scale conflict. UN Rights Alarm: Türk urged immediate de-escalation, citing rising civilian deaths and attacks on civilian infrastructure since the 2022 truce broke. Regional Security Cooperation: Djibouti Code of Conduct states set up a task force to counter renewed piracy in the Western Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden, highlighting how instability compounds maritime risks around Yemen. EU Diplomacy: The EU ambassador to Yemen warned against turning Yemen into a battleground for regional rivalries, calling for de-escalation and a political solution that includes southern voices.

UN Human Rights: UN rights chief Volker Türk warned Yemen is at rising risk of sliding back into full-scale war as civilian casualties climb amid renewed Houthi-government fighting, urging immediate de-escalation. Red Sea Security: Houthis claimed missile and drone attacks on Saudi naval vessels off Mocha, while Yemen’s government-linked forces reported missile launches toward Mocha and clashes in Taiz, keeping Bab al-Mandeb under pressure. Humanitarian & Civilian Impact: UN reporting highlighted deaths and injuries from strikes in Marib and attacks affecting displacement sites and port workers, as Mokha’s operations were repeatedly disrupted by Houthi bombardment. Regional Power Politics: The wider Iran-U.S. standoff intensified after a 60-day MoU deadline passed, with Iran signaling a shift toward “fully offensive” posture and Trump threatening Oman over Strait of Hormuz talks—raising the stakes for Yemen’s maritime front. Diplomacy & Mediation: Oman-Iran shipping talks continued in parallel, but Washington’s posture and blockade dynamics kept regional negotiations fragile. Military Developments: Yemen’s army and allied sources reported ongoing drone and missile actions across Taiz and Al-Jawf, underscoring a multi-front escalation.

Diplomacy in Riyadh: Yemen’s Foreign Minister Afrah al-Zouba told Saudi counterpart Faisal bin Farhan that the government “strongly condemns” Houthi attacks on Saudi territory and waters, warning Yemen will not allow threats to the kingdom or navigation. Frontline escalation (Taiz & southwest): Yemen’s armed forces reported 181 operations in 24 hours against Houthi positions using drones, artillery and rocket systems, with strikes reported across Taiz, Hodeidah, Abyan, Marib and Al-Dhalea; separate reports say Houthi missile/drone attacks hit Mokha and that air defenses intercepted at least one drone. Human cost: Military sources in Sana’a claimed more than 200 Houthis killed over 48 hours, with heavy losses linked to clashes and drone strikes around Taiz. Red Sea pressure: Reports say repeated Houthi attacks forced Mokha port to suspend operations after missile/drone strikes, raising fears for maritime trade. Regional security backdrop: Saudi-led efforts to counter Houthi maritime threats and the wider Hormuz standoff continue to shape the security environment around Yemen. Local governance & society: Sana’a and multiple governorates held Mawlid celebrations, while Hodeidah officials inspected community education projects in Bajil.

Yemen Conflict Escalation: Yemen’s Saudi-backed government forces say they launched 181 military operations in 24 hours against Houthi targets across multiple governorates, using drones, artillery and rocket fire, while pro-government media report fresh Houthi missile and drone strikes on Mocha and Marib, including attacks on residential areas and a bakery. Red Sea Pressure on Trade: Multiple reports say Houthi attacks forced the suspension of operations at Yemen’s Mokha/Mocha port after repeated missile barrages, with losses estimated around $16 million, as fears grow that Bab el-Mandeb could face a “second Hormuz” style disruption. UN Security Council Warning: UN reporting highlights that escalating attacks threaten peace in Yemen and worsen an already dire humanitarian situation, with civilians and children paying an unacceptable price. Regional Iran-US Tensions Spill Over: Iran rejects Trump’s claim that the Strait of Hormuz will become US territory, reiterating it will remain Iranian, as shipping remains throttled and the US-Iran ceasefire clock nears expiry. Domestic Yemen Mobilization & Commemoration: Across Sana’a, Sa’ada, Ibb, Hodeidah and other areas, local authorities and institutions held Mawlid al-Nabawi events, often paired with political messaging about defending Yemen and condemning “insults” to Islam.

Houthi-Military Escalation in Yemen: Yemen’s government forces struck back after fresh Houthi offensives hitting Marib and the Red Sea port of Mokha, with officials blaming Iran-backed attacks on residential areas and displaced camps; in Marib, authorities reported six ballistic missiles and four drones causing injuries and damage to homes and civilian infrastructure. Port Disruption: Mokha’s port suspended commercial and maritime operations after repeated Houthi bombings, with losses estimated around $16M and workers left without livelihoods; the government said missiles targeted civilian and economic facilities. Taiz Front: Yemeni army drone and artillery strikes in Taiz reportedly killed Houthi members and wounded field commanders. Regional Pressure via Shipping: As Hormuz tensions flare, the UAE blamed Iran for an attack on an ADNOC-linked vessel, while Iran reiterated that the Strait of Hormuz “will remain Iranian,” keeping the broader maritime crisis tightly linked to Yemen’s conflict. Diplomacy/International Moves: Russia’s Zakharova said arming Kyiv won’t change Moscow’s course, as Yemen remains pulled into wider regional and legal disputes. Domestic Governance & Society: Sana’a University received international accreditation for its Prosthetics & Orthotics program, while multiple governorates held Mawlid events and social initiatives, including support for students with disabilities in Al-Hodeidah.

Red Sea Flashpoint—Mocha Port: Yemen’s Mocha port suspended commercial and maritime operations after Houthi attacks hit it with more than 25 missiles over recent days, killing seven people and causing about $16 million in losses, according to the port director. Frontline Clashes—Taiz: Government-aligned National Resistance forces reported hours of fighting on the Al-Barh front in western Taiz, saying they repelled Houthi attempts to infiltrate positions and claimed dozens of Houthi fighters were killed, wounded, or missing. Saudi Border Escalation—Saada: The Houthis alleged Saudi artillery and missile strikes hit border areas in Saada, damaging farmland, as tensions rise after recent claims of drone attacks on Saudi Aramco sites. Regional War of Words—Hormuz: Iran rejected Trump’s threat to declare the Strait of Hormuz US territory, saying it “will remain Iranian” and only opens or closes under Iran’s command, while the UAE blamed Iran for an ADNOC tanker attack in the strait. Civil Governance & Religion—Mawlid Events: Across Yemen, local authorities and state bodies held Mawlid al-Nabawi commemorations and charity initiatives, including endowment support for orphans and development-linked hospital programming in Ibb.

Houthi–Government Escalation: Yemen’s internationally recognized government says Iran-aligned Houthis fired six ballistic missiles at the Red Sea port of Mocha (al-Makha), killing at least four civilians and wounding others, while Houthi claims frame the strikes as attacks on “Saudi-backed” assets and warships; the fighting is unfolding alongside renewed fears of Yemen sliding back toward large-scale conflict. Port Security & Retaliation: Yemeni Armed Forces spokesman Colonel Abdulá Al Nuzaily warns the army will respond with a “deterrent and severe” response after the Mocha port attack, stressing civilian infrastructure will not be used as military targets. Regional Pressure on Shipping: The wider Iran–US standoff is tightening maritime risk: Strait of Hormuz traffic is reported near standstill as the US warns it can maintain a naval blockade indefinitely, while UAE state oil firm ADNOC says its vessels were attacked and blamed Iran. Counterterrorism & Financing: A UN report says a $50m al Qaeda-linked hostage ransom in Mali helped fund advances across West Africa, with some money flowing to al Qaeda in Yemen. Diplomacy Watch: Switzerland appoints Dr. Thomas Oertle as ambassador-designate to Ghana, Benin and Togo, with prior experience covering Yemen. Domestic Mobilization: Sana’a and other governorates continue Mawlid and Prophetic praise events, with official and popular participation.

UN Yemen Warning: UN envoy Hans Grundberg told the Security Council Yemen faces its highest risk of returning to full-scale war since the 2022 truce as clashes flare in Marib, Hadramout, Taiz and al-Mokha, with both military and civilian casualties; he urged immediate de-escalation, an “off-ramp” to talks, and economic steps like keeping ports open and restarting flights to Sanaa. Taiz Frontline Updates: Government-aligned National Resistance forces claimed 27 Houthi fighters killed and 19 wounded in Taiz over three days, while a separate report said Houthis launched two ballistic missiles at Dhubab airport near Bab al-Mandeb and struck Mokha’s port earlier. Red Sea Escalation: Houthis again claimed drone attacks on Saudi Aramco facilities in Jizan, framing them as retaliation for alleged Saudi airspace violations; meanwhile, Yemen’s fighting and Red Sea attacks are increasingly tied to wider regional pressure. Maritime Security Shock: UKMTO issued advisories after two commercial vessels were hit by one-way drones in the Strait of Hormuz; crews were safe and no environmental impact reported, underscoring how shipping remains exposed even as Washington and Tehran trade claims of control. Diplomatic Pressure: Britain urged Iran to stop supporting the Houthis, while Russia called for Yemen peace talks to resume and warned threats to maritime navigation must be addressed without preconditions.

UN Warning: UN envoy Hans Grundberg says Yemen faces the highest risk of sliding back into large-scale conflict since the 2022 truce, as fighting intensifies across Marib, Hadramout and al-Makha (Mocha) and renewed Houthi attacks on shipping could pull Yemen deeper into the US-Iran standoff. Red Sea Escalation: The Houthis claim a second drone strike on Saudi Aramco’s Jazan refinery in less than a week, while Yemen’s government-aligned forces report destroying Houthi boats in the Red Sea. Diplomacy Under Strain: Yemen’s Foreign Ministry warns Saudi Arabia that “negative interventions” are over and says its response logic is “blockade for blockade.” Regional Security Architecture: Saudi Arabia moves forward with a 14-state maritime coalition to secure Bab el-Mandeb and the Red Sea, while Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan sign the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement to coordinate defense and security. US-Iran Pressure: The US says it can maintain an “indefinite” naval blockade of Iran and will increase economic pressure, as Hormuz remains effectively constrained—raising the stakes for Yemen’s maritime front.

UN Yemen Warning: UN envoy Hans Grundberg says Yemen faces the highest risk of major conflict since the 2022 truce as Houthi attacks intensify across Marib, Hadramawt, Mocha and other fronts, with renewed strikes on Red Sea shipping raising fears of a wider regional war. Taiz Clashes: In Taiz, at least one government soldier was killed and another critically wounded in overnight fighting with Iran-backed Houthis, while Marib saw artillery targeting Houthi movements. Hadramawt Drone Strike: Houthi drones hit a government-aligned Nation Shield Forces base in Al-Abr, Hadramawt, killing at least three soldiers and wounding 15. Houthi Claims on Saudi Energy: Houthis claimed drone strikes on Saudi Aramco facilities in Jizan, framing them as retaliation for alleged Saudi airspace violations. US Civilian Toll Disclosure: A Pentagon review says US strikes against Houthis in Yemen in 2025 killed 153 civilians and injured 243, with additional incidents still under review. Red Sea Shipping Fallout: The Bab al-Mandeb remains volatile after attacks on commercial vessels, including the Tihama incident that killed crew and left others missing. Oman Oil Spill: Off Oman, the Caroline Bezengi spill has expanded dramatically and salvage efforts are underway but complicated by monsoon weather, with coastline impacts reported. Online Pressure: X suspended Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree’s account amid escalation and repeated claims of attacks.

Red Sea Security & Shipping: Yemen’s Houthis renewed attacks on Saudi-linked assets, claiming strikes on a Saudi military equipment transport ship in Bab al-Mandeb and on Mocha (Taiz) and Tadawin (Marib), as Yemen’s coast guard said a Houthi attack on the Egyptian-owned Tihamah killed 6 (including three Pakistanis) and wounded others; the IMO also condemned the Mocha-area attack and urged shipowners to reassess transit risks. Civilian Harm Accountability: A Pentagon review says US airstrikes in Yemen in 2025 killed 153 civilians and injured 243, with all recorded deaths tied to three April 2025 strikes (Sanaa, Ras Isa, Saada). Yemen Governance & Deterrence: The PLC chairman Rashad al-Alimi said there’s no plan for a new truce that repeats past failures, calling instead for lasting peace backed by state control and “comprehensive deterrence.” Regional Power Politics: Iran rejected Trump’s claim of “total control” over the Strait of Hormuz, insisting it remains closed until US accepts Tehran’s conditions, while shipping traffic through Hormuz fell to a one-week low. Environment & Risk: A major oil spill from the grounded Caroline Bezengi has reached Oman’s mainland, threatening up to 40km of coastline and a marine reserve, as cleanup is hampered by the wider war zone. Diplomacy & Messaging: Yemen’s Foreign Ministry urged Saudi Arabia to cease aggression, lift the blockade, and end illegal activities, framing it as a low-cost path to peace. Local Commemoration: Sana’a and Hodeidah held Prophet Muhammad’s birthday events, alongside Amran’s disability-inclusive community activities.