Renewed hostilities between Houthi rebels and Saudi-backed Yemeni forces have escalated in northern Yemen, following video released Wednesday, September 9, by Houthi-aligned Al Masirah TV.
The footage depicts heavy smoke and explosions across Yemen’s Al Jawf province following alleged Saudi airstrikes. In the video, a Houthi combatant stands alongside wreckage, claiming the group downed a Saudi reconnaissance drone. Additional scenes display military vehicles advancing under heavy gunfire, which the outlet identified as Saudi forces attempting an assault.
Reuters noted that the date and location of the video could not be independently verified, though no earlier instances of the footage were found online prior to September 9, 2026.
Yemeni Forces Launch Multi-Front Offensive
The surge in hostilities comes as Yemeni government troops, supported by the Saudi-led coalition, step up operations to reclaim Houthi-controlled sectors. Official sources stated the counter-offensive was launched across several fronts after Houthi fighters attempted to push into government-held positions, adding that the ultimate goal remains the full recovery of lost territory.
Citing local health authorities, Al Masirah claimed that at least 32 people died in the alleged airstrikes over a two-day period. Saudi officials have not confirmed or claimed responsibility for any military strikes in Al Jawf.
Riyadh Cites Escalating Cross-Border Raids
Concurrently, authorities in Riyadh reported an increase in Houthi attacks directed at southern Saudi Arabia. Saudi officials confirmed that 73 people, including women and children, sustained injuries after strikes targeted civilian infrastructure and economic sites.
Riyadh condemned the offensive as a severe escalation, with coalition forces promising targeted measures to deter future attacks. Houthi representatives maintained that their strikes were executed in direct response to ongoing Saudi military operations in Yemen.
