West Asia war LIVE: Saudi Arabia warns it will react 'firmly' to Houthi attacks

Home News World Saudi Arabian ‌Civil Defence sent an alert on September 15, ​after issuing alerts for potential danger ‌in six cities, including Yanbu, ‌the kingdom's ‌main ⁠Red Sea oil ⁠port, where millions of barrels a day ​are loaded Updated - September 15, 2026 10:15 am IST A woman sits with her children outside a tent at a makeshift camp for people displaced by clashes between Iran-aligned Houthi fighters and Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces, in Taiz Province, Yemen, September 14, 2026. Picture taken with a mobile phone. | Photo Credit: STRINGER Saudi Arabia warned Tuesday (September 15, 2026) it will react “firmly” to Yemen’s Houthis, after a series of attacks carried out by the pro-Iranian rebels using ballistic missiles and drones wounded 13 civilians in the country’s south.Also Read: The global war on terror, an empowered Iran The Houthis have been engaged in renewed fighting with Saudi-backed government forces since Yemen’s civil war reignited in July, when the group declared a maritime blockade on Riyadh and began targeting its ships in the Red Sea. The group seized control of Yemen’s Red Sea coast and the Bab al-Mandab Strait last week, which has become vital as the wider U.S.-Iran war chokes the Strait of Hormuz, in a significant blow to Yemeni government forces.Also Read: U.S. military says Iran war has led to munitions shortfallThe Saudi Arabian ‌Civil Defence sent an all-clear on Tuesday (September 15) after issuing alerts for potential danger ‌in six cities, including Yanbu, ‌the kingdom’s ‌main ⁠Red Sea oil ⁠port, where millions of barrels a day are loaded. Saudi ‌Civil Defence said the danger had passed in ‌Jeddah, Abha, Jazan, AlUla and Taif after the areas ⁠received emergency alerts amid an uptick in ‌attacks by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis.September 15, 2026 10:15 Saudi civil defence issues an emergency alert for several cities, including YanbuSaudi Arabia’s civil ⁠defence ‌issued emergency ‌alerts ‌for ⁠several ⁠cities on ‌Tuesday, including ‌Yanbu, Jeddah, Taif, ⁠Abha and ‌Jazan.-ReutersSeptember 15, 2026 09:24 Hormuz traffic dwindles after West Asia attacks intensifyShipping traffic at the Strait of Hormuz dwindled further at the start of this week after attacks intensified in ‌West Asia, shipping data showed.Commodity vessel transits at Hormuz totalled four on ⁠Monday, down from 10 during the previous day, preliminary data from Kpler showed on Tuesday.Two dry bulk carriers exited ‌the waterway, including one laden and one ballast vessel, while two oil tankers ‌entered the strait, both in ballast mode.The ‌figures ⁠exclude some vessels that might have ⁠crossed the strait with their Automatic Identification System transponders turned off to avoid detection.- ReutersSeptember 15, 2026 09:23 U.S. nominates new envoy to Saudi ArabiaU.S. President Donald Trump has nominated Republican congressman Wesley Hunt, a US Army veteran, as his new ambassador to Saudi Arabia -- a post that had been left vacant amid the war with Iran.Hunt’s nomination was sent Monday (September 14) to the U.S. Senate, which must vote on his confirmation.“Having served in the region both in combat as an Army officer and for two years as a diplomatic liaison in the Kingdom, I understand the strategic importance of the partnership between the United States and Saudi Arabia and the profound responsibility of this position,” Hunt said in a post on X.- AFPSeptember 15, 2026 09:21 Saudi Arabia warns it will react 'firmly' to Houthi attacksSaudi Arabia warned Tuesday it will react “firmly” to Yemen’s Houthis, after a series of attacks carried out by the pro-Iranian rebels using ballistic missiles and drones wounded 13 civilians in the country’s south.The Houthis have been engaged in renewed fighting with Saudi-backed government forces since Yemen’s civil war reignited in July, when the group declared a maritime blockade on Riyadh and began targeting its ships in the Red Sea.The group seized control of Yemen’s Red Sea coast and the Bab al-Mandab Strait last week, which has become vital as the wider U.S.-Iran war chokes the Strait of Hormuz, in a significant blow to Yemeni government forces.- AFPSeptember 15, 2026 09:20 Iran official blasts 'malicious' U.S. block at IAEA meetingAn Iranian atomic official on Monday (September 14, 2026) accused the United States of “malicious” behaviour and “bullying” after Tehran said the U.S. officials had blocked it from a conference of the United Nations‘ nuclear energy agency.Iran official blasts 'malicious' U.S. block at IAEA meetingIran's atomic official condemns U.S. for "malicious" actions and access denial at IAEA conference, calling it unprecedented bullying.September 15, 2026 09:15 U.S. military says Iran war has led to munitions shortfallThe U.S. Department of Defence’s inspector general revealed Monday (September 14, 2026) that the United States is facing a shortfall in ammunition as a result of its costly war in Iran.In a first-of-its-kind mandatory report to Congress, the inspector said that between February 28 and June 30, Operation Epic Fury (OEF) had an estimated cost of $33.4 billion, with $22.3 billion of that spent on expended munitions alone.U.S. military says Iran war has led to munitions shortfallU.S. military report reveals ammunition shortfall due to costly Iran war, highlighting strategic inventory issues and industrial bottlenecks. Published - September 15, 2026 09:55 am ISTSign in to unlock member-only benefits!Access 10 free stories every monthSave stories to read laterAccess to comment on every storySign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single clickGet notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products