Saudi Arabia has intensified air support for Yemeni government forces in a major October 2026 counteroffensive aimed at reversing Houthi territorial gains along the Red Sea coast, including the port of Mokha and approaches to the Bab al-Mandab Strait. Saudi-led coalition airstrikes have targeted Houthi weapons sites and naval assets, while Riyadh coordinates with allied Yemeni factions and activates defense pacts with Turkey and Pakistan for protection inside the kingdom. Houthi ballistic missile and drone strikes on Saudi airports, Aramco facilities, and southern provinces have escalated in response. Direct Saudi ground troop deployments into Yemen remain absent from reported operations, consistent with Riyadh’s shift toward proxy support and air operations following years of prior direct intervention. Upcoming developments in the Red Sea theater and any shifts in external backing could influence the pace of involvement.