Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Houthi Missile Kills Three, Saudi Seals Defence Pact

8/12/2026

28 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Houthi Missile Strike

A Houthi missile strike on the cargo ship Tihamah in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait killed three crew members, two Pakistanis and one Indonesian.
Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar condemned the attack as a breach of international law and said Islamabad is working with Saudi Arabia and Yemen.
The vessel was anchored 3.3 nautical miles from Perim Island when a projectile hit it, reducing traffic to 32 ships per day.

Summary

Houthis Blockade

The Houthis declared a naval blockade of Saudi Arabia in the Red Sea, accusing Riyadh of a 2015 siege.
Iran’s blockade of Hormuz forces oil through the Red Sea, raising the stakes of Houthi attacks.
Saudi Arabia answered by signing a defence pact with Turkey and Pakistan, linking it to Red Sea tensions.
Mokha port, upgraded by the internationally recognized government, now handles extra cargo to bypass the Houthi-controlled Hodeida.

History

Historical Context

After the Houthis announced a Bab-el-Mandeb blockade on 20 July 2026, Saudi Arabia invoked its Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement with Pakistan, which deployed about 8,000 troops. The move mirrors the July 2026 U.S.–led blockade of Iran’s Strait of Hormuz, illustrating how repeated maritime closures have become a central tool for power projection and alliance-building in the Red Sea and Gulf.

1 of 3

Houthi Missile Strike

A Houthi missile strike on the cargo ship Tihamah in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait killed three crew members, two Pakistanis and one Indonesian.
Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar condemned the attack as a breach of international law and said Islamabad is working with Saudi Arabia and Yemen.
The vessel was anchored 3.3 nautical miles from Perim Island when a projectile hit it, reducing traffic to 32 ships per day.

1 / 3