Houthis Intensify Strikes on Saudi Arabia, Testing Regional Defense Alliance

The Houthi movement has escalated its attacks against Saudi Arabia, marking the most serious phase of conflict since a UN-brokered ceasefire ended eight years of active fighting in 2022. The renewed hostilities are straining the Saudi-backed internationally recognised Yemeni government, which relies on regional support to counter the Houthi threat. The escalation is being seen as a significant test for the so-called 'Islamic NATO', a coalition of Muslim-majority nations with shared defense interests. The situation raises concerns about regional stability and the durability of the 2022 peace agreement.