AGP Executive Report

Red Sea Escalation: Yemen’s foreign minister Afrah al-Zouba told Saudi FM Faisal bin Farhan in Riyadh that Yemen “strongly condemns” Houthi “terrorist attacks” and rejects using Yemeni waters to threaten Saudi Arabia or navigation. Frontline Updates (Taiz): Yemen’s armed forces say they carried out 181 operations in 24 hours against Houthi positions, using drones, artillery and rockets across Taiz, Hodeidah, Abyan, Marib and Al-Dhalea. Mokha Under Fire: Government forces report new missile and drone strikes on Mokha, with air defenses intercepting a drone and a ballistic missile landing; fighting also continues to raise fears for civilians in Marib. Saudi Energy Targeting: Houthis claim a precision drone strike on Saudi Aramco’s Jizan refinery, while Saudi says the blaze was extinguished without casualties. Regional Shipping Pressure: Strait of Hormuz traffic slowed after tanker attacks, while broader Middle East tensions keep chokepoints volatile. Local Life (Mawlid): Sana’a, Hodeidah and Shabwa held Prophet Muhammad’s birthday events, including boat displays on the Red Sea and community education inspections.

Yemen Conflict Escalation: Yemen’s Saudi-backed government forces say they launched 181 military operations against Houthi targets in the past 24 hours, using drones, artillery and rocket launchers across multiple governorates, while the Houthis report fresh missile and drone strikes on Mocha and Marib and claim hits on “Saudi” reinforcements. Civilian Impact: Pro-government media and local officials say Houthi attacks hit residential areas in Marib, including a bakery, injuring residents and damaging homes, as fighting raises fears of a return to wider war. Port and Shipping Pressure: The Houthis’ missile barrage has forced Yemen’s Mocha port to suspend operations, with reported losses around $16 million, while regional maritime tensions continue to threaten Red Sea trade. Regional Security Context: The UN Security Council warns escalating attacks threaten peace in Yemen as the broader Iran–US standoff keeps chokepoints under strain. Local Commemorations: Across Sa’ada, Sana’a, Ibb, Hodeidah and other districts, official and community events marked Mawlid al-Nabawi, with speeches linking the occasion to unity and resistance amid ongoing conflict.

Red Sea Security: Saudi Arabia formally launched a multinational maritime defense coalition to protect shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden as Houthi attacks threaten navigation and energy routes. Yemen Frontline: Yemen’s government says Houthi missile and drone strikes hit Marib’s residential areas, injuring people and damaging homes and civilian infrastructure, while the Houthis also targeted Taiz and other fronts with drones and ballistic missiles. Mocha Port Shutdown: The government-held port of Mocha suspended commercial and maritime operations after repeated Houthi attacks, reporting deaths, major damage, and losses estimated at about $16 million, with no clear resumption date. Hormuz Standoff: Iran rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim it will declare the Strait of Hormuz U.S. territory, insisting the waterway “will remain Iranian,” as shipping remains severely disrupted. Regional Flashpoints: UAE blamed Iran for an ADNOC tanker attack in Hormuz; meanwhile, Iran and Qatar traded accusations over three missing Iranian pilots, and Israeli strikes in Lebanon killed at least 11 as UN officials warned civilians are paying an unacceptable price.

Mocha Port Shutdown: Yemen’s Mocha port suspended commercial and maritime operations after Houthi attacks hit it with more than 25 missiles, killing seven people and causing about $16 million in losses, raising fresh Red Sea shipping fears. Red Sea Escalation: The port strike adds to a wider regional spiral tied to the Iran war, with Yemen’s conflict again described as edging toward larger-scale fighting. Taiz Frontline Clashes: In Taiz, government-aligned National Resistance forces reported clashes with Houthis on the Al-Barh front, saying three soldiers were killed and seven injured, while claiming dozens of Houthi fighters were killed or wounded. Hormuz Tensions Spill Over: Iran and the UAE traded accusations after an ADNOC tanker was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz, as shipping disruption and near-closure conditions continue to squeeze energy routes. Religious & Social Events: Across Yemen, authorities and institutions held Mawlid al-Nabawi commemorations, including Parliament’s ceremony in Sana’a and endowment projects supporting orphans in the capital.

Mocha Port Hit: 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 the Houthis claim they targeted Saudi-linked military assets and boats. Escalation Warnings: Yemeni forces vow a “deterrent and severe” response, as clashes around Taiz’s Al-Barh front reportedly killed dozens of Houthis over three days. Saudi Energy Under Pressure: The Houthis also renewed claims of drone strikes on Saudi Aramco facilities, including Najran, as regional tensions tied to the U.S.-Iran standoff keep rising. Strait of Hormuz Fallout: Shipping through Hormuz is near a standstill after attacks on vessels and renewed threats of an indefinite U.S. blockade, pushing more maritime risk toward the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Humanitarian & Security Ripples: UN-linked reporting says ransom money helped al Qaeda-linked militants in Mali expand, underscoring how maritime chaos can feed extremist networks. Religious Life in Sana’a: Mawlid and Prophetic praise events continue across Sana’a and other governorates, with public gatherings and mosque festivals amid the war.

Yemen War Risk: UN envoy Hans Grundberg warned Yemen is at its highest risk of returning to full-scale war since the 2022 truce as clashes intensify across Marib, Hadramout, Mokha and beyond, with Houthi attacks also threatening Red Sea shipping and Yemen’s economy. Red Sea Security: The Houthis claimed a precision drone strike on Saudi Aramco’s Jizan refinery, while Yemen’s government-aligned forces reported heavy fighting in Taiz, including claims of 27 Houthi fighters killed and 19 wounded over three days. Diplomacy at the UN: Russia urged the swift resumption of Yemen peace talks and called for freedom of maritime navigation without preconditions, while the UK pressed Iran to stop supporting the Houthis, warning it undermines Yemen’s stability. Humanitarian Pressure: Grundberg and UN relief officials warned of worsening conditions, including acute food insecurity and calls for the release of UN personnel held by the Houthis.

UN Warning: UN envoy Hans Grundberg says Yemen is at the highest risk of sliding back into large-scale conflict since the 2022 truce, as clashes between Iran-backed Houthis and government forces intensify across Marib, Hadramout and al-Makha (Mocha), with renewed risk that Red Sea shipping attacks could pull Yemen deeper into the US-Iran standoff. Saudi-Yemen Escalation: Yemen’s foreign ministry warns Saudi Arabia that “negative interventions” are over, while Houthis claim a second drone strike on Saudi Aramco’s Jizan refinery in less than a week, citing “violations” of Yemeni sovereignty. Red Sea Security: A Saudi-led maritime coalition is moving toward operational activation, with 15 countries signing on to protect Bab el-Mandeb and the Red Sea, as Yemen-linked attacks keep pressure on global trade routes. Humanitarian Pressure: UN relief chief Tom Fletcher warns Yemen’s humanitarian appeal is barely funded enough to keep services running, with hunger rising and health systems crumbling, especially for women and girls. US-Iran Backdrop: The US says it can maintain an “indefinite” naval blockade of Iran and will increase economic pressure, while Hormuz remains effectively closed—conditions that keep the region volatile and Yemen exposed.

UN Warning: UN envoy Hans Grundberg says Yemen faces its gravest risk of a return to large-scale war since the 2022 truce, as fighting intensifies across frontlines and Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden could pull Yemen deeper into the wider regional conflict. Red Sea Violence: Houthis claimed drone strikes on Saudi Aramco facilities in Jizan, while Yemen’s coastguard and authorities reported a deadly Houthi missile attack on the Yemeni vessel “Tihama” in Bab al-Mandeb, killing at least six and injuring others, with survivors saying a second missile hit during rescue. Civilian Harm Accountability: A Pentagon review says U.S. airstrikes against Houthis in Yemen in 2025 killed 153 civilians and injured 243, with additional incidents still under review. Frontline Clashes: In Taiz, at least one government soldier was killed and another critically wounded in clashes with Houthi forces, as Marib saw artillery targeting overnight Houthi movements. Diplomacy & Media: X suspended Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree’s account amid escalation, while Egypt denied any link to the ship targeted off Yemen and condemned Red Sea attacks.

Red Sea Shipping Crisis: Houthis say they struck a Saudi military equipment transport vessel in Bab al-Mandeb and hit Saudi-linked positions in Mocha and Marib with ballistic missiles and drones, while Yemen’s coast guard reported six deaths and 10 wounded after an attack on the commercial vessel Tihamah, including three Pakistani crew members and an Indonesian, as Pakistan condemned the attack and said it would repatriate remains. Hormuz Standoff: Trump claimed the U.S. has “total control” of the Strait of Hormuz as traffic hit a one-week low, but Iran and regional authorities insist the waterway remains closed until conditions are met, keeping oil markets jittery. Civilian Toll in Yemen: The Pentagon acknowledged U.S. airstrikes in Yemen killed 153 civilians and injured 243 in 2025, with 15 more incidents still under review, renewing scrutiny of the campaign. Energy and Environment Shock: A major oil spill from the grounded Caroline Bezengi has reached Oman’s coast, threatening a large stretch of shoreline and sensitive marine areas. Local Life in Yemen: In Sana’a, Amran, and Hodeidah, schools and public offices held events for Prophet Muhammad’s birthday amid protests condemning attacks on students in Taiz.

Red Sea Shipping Deaths: Yemen’s coastguard says Iran-backed Houthis killed six people in a Bab al-Mandeb attack on the Tihama, including three Pakistanis and one Indonesian, with two government-allied rescuers also dying after a follow-up strike. Maritime Safety Warning: The IMO condemned the attack as an “indefensible” hit on international shipping and urged firms to reassess risks and protect sailors. Yemen Escalation: The same week brought fresh Houthi missile and drone strikes on Yemen’s Red Sea port city of Mocha, with reports of damage and casualties, raising fears the 2022 truce could unravel. Regional Pressure on Saudi Oil: Houthis also claimed a precision drone strike on Saudi Aramco’s Jizan refinery, while Saudi-backed shipping faces growing threats. Global Fallout: Energy markets stayed jittery as Strait of Hormuz disruption and Red Sea attacks keep supply worries alive, even as US inflation data eased to 3.4% in July.

Red Sea Bloodshed: Yemen’s internationally recognized government says Iran-backed Houthis killed 6 people in a Bab al-Mandeb missile attack on the Egyptian-owned Tihamah, including 4 crew and 2 from government-allied National Resistance Forces, with a second strike hitting rescuers. Shipping Under Pressure: The attack comes as Houthis renew strikes on Yemen’s government-held areas, including Mokha and Marib, raising fresh fears for navigation through Bab al-Mandeb and the wider Red Sea. Hormuz Standoff: Iran says the Strait of Hormuz will stay closed unless the U.S. meets its conditions, while Pakistan says U.S.-Iran talks are close to “some sort of arrangement,” keeping uncertainty high. Energy Shock: Oil prices jumped toward $90 as shipping disruptions and Hormuz doubts threaten supply routes. U.S. Civilian Toll: New reporting cites a Pentagon assessment saying U.S. strikes in Yemen in 2025 killed 153 civilians and wounded 243, with more incidents still under review. Regional Security Pact: Saudi Arabia praised the new Turkey-Saudi-Pakistan defense summit in Mecca and stressed protecting waterways like Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb.

Bab al-Mandeb Shipping Deaths: Yemen’s internationally recognized government says Iran-backed Houthis fired three ballistic missiles at the Tihamah cargo ship in the Bab al-Mandeb, killing four crew (three Pakistanis and one Indonesian) and injuring four others, while a rescue team was also hit during the response. Rescue Under Fire: The transport ministry condemned the attack as targeting civilian shipping and said another missile was fired as crews tried to evacuate casualties. Escalation Fears in Yemen: The strike comes as fighting and drone/missile attacks continue across government-held areas, raising worries the violence could spiral back toward wider civil war. Regional Pressure on Shipping: With the Strait of Hormuz still effectively closed, attention remains on Red Sea and Bab al-Mandeb routes, where Houthi actions are already disrupting traffic and increasing risk for crews. Diplomacy Amid Attacks: Pakistan and Qatar both signal talks over managing the Hormuz standoff, even as new incidents keep undermining hopes for a quick de-escalation.

Red Sea Frontline: Yemen’s internationally recognized government says it will respond to escalating Houthi missile and drone attacks, warning the Houthis will no longer “dictate” the timing of fighting. Mocha Port Attacks: The Yemeni Army blames the Houthis for renewed strikes on the port city of Mocha, including ballistic missile attacks and shelling that also hit residential areas in Marib, after a weekend attack killed seven and wounded 30. Saudi Energy Hit: Houthis claimed a precision drone strike on Saudi Aramco’s Jizan refinery, while Reuters reports a fire was extinguished without casualties; the attack comes amid wider regional tensions. UN Humanitarian Warning: The UN says Houthi forces removed critical telecom equipment from UN offices in Sana’a, warning it could worsen Yemen’s humanitarian crisis. Hormuz Deal Deadlock: As talks on reopening the Strait of Hormuz stall, Trump demands war compensation from Iran, while Iran ties reopening to US concessions including sanctions relief and payment for damages—keeping oil markets jittery.

Houthi Escalation in Yemen’s West Coast: Yemen’s government says Houthi drone and missile strikes on Mocha killed seven (four soldiers, three civilians) and wounded 30, with air defenses destroying 11 drones; the Houthis also released footage claiming attacks on Saudi-backed targets and said weapons hit troop concentrations and depots. Cross-Border Strikes on Saudi Energy: The Houthis claimed a drone attack on Saudi Aramco’s Jizan refinery, which Saudi authorities said was followed by a fire that was extinguished. Southern Front Pressure: In Shabwa, local media and officials report two Yemeni soldiers killed and several wounded in a Houthi drone strike on government positions near the Marib border. UN Warning: UN Yemen envoy Hans Grundberg warned that attacks on Mocha raise the risk of Yemen sliding back into full-scale conflict. Hormuz Standoff and Oil Prices: As Iran and the US trade demands over reopening the Strait of Hormuz, oil prices jumped above $85 a barrel, while Iran insists reopening depends on US concessions. US-Iran Compensation Fight: Trump rejected Iran’s compensation demand and signaled the US will demand compensation for Americans killed or injured, including families of USS Cole victims.

Red Sea Frontline: Iran-backed Houthis hit Yemen’s Mocha (Al-Mukha) port with missiles and drones, killing at least 7 people (including 3 civilians) and wounding 30; Yemen’s military says air defenses shot down 11 drones and the strikes targeted both residential areas and port infrastructure. Saudi Energy Pressure: The same escalation wave includes Houthi claims of a drone strike on Saudi Aramco’s Jazan refinery, where Saudi authorities said a fire was extinguished with no reported casualties. Hormuz Standoff Echoes Into Yemen: As Iran and Oman near shipping-lane talks for the Strait of Hormuz, Tehran says the strait won’t reopen until the U.S. meets demands including sanctions relief and compensation—while Washington signals it’s “semi-negotiating” and leaning on economic pressure. Humanitarian and Economic Fallout: Yemen’s fisheries sector says losses from the long-running blockade and attacks have exceeded $15 billion, warning the damage is undermining food security and livelihoods. Diplomatic Signal: The U.S. reaffirmed support for Yemen against “Iran-backed Houthi aggression,” focusing on maritime security and counterterrorism.

Red Sea Violence in Yemen: Iran-backed Houthis struck Yemen’s Mokha port with ballistic missiles and drones, killing at least 11 people (including civilians) and wounding dozens, while Yemen’s government forces shelled Houthi positions in Taiz after the attack. Saudi Energy Hit: The Houthis also claimed a drone strike on Saudi Aramco’s Jazan refinery, as Saudi authorities said a fire was extinguished. Hormuz Standoff: Iran says the Strait of Hormuz won’t reopen unless the U.S. “corrects” its behavior, including ending the war, lifting sanctions and the naval blockade, releasing frozen assets, and paying compensation—while Oman-Iran talks on shipping lanes are said to be nearing “final stages.” Regional Politics: Bahrain welcomed UN Security Council condemnation of Houthi attacks, and Saudi Arabia’s new NATO-style pact with Turkey and Pakistan is already being tested amid the Yemen-Red Sea escalation.