Houthis blame Saudi air strikes for explosions rocking Yemen's capital Sanaa

What happened

Houthi-linked media outlets reported loud explosions in the Yemeni capital Sanaa on Saturday, attributing the blasts to Saudi air strikes. According to Al-Masirah TV, a Houthi-affiliated channel, the attacks represented "Saudi aggression" but did not specify targets or casualties. Independent confirmation of these strikes is not yet available.

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure, battlefield claim or single-source assertion should be treated as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source or a named official. The reported air strikes mark a continued intensification of hostilities following a fragile truce breakdown in July, when renewed fighting erupted between the Houthis, who control Sanaa and large parts of northwest Yemen, and the internationally recognized Yemeni government supported by Saudi Arabia. Earlier in the week, the Houthis accused Saudi Arabia of bombing Sanaa for the first time since the conflict reignited.

This escalation follows a series of violent incidents including missile strikes on telecommunications infrastructure in Saada, a Houthi stronghold, and increased ground fighting, notably around the contested city of Taiz, where significant casualties on both sides have been reported. The Houthis have also advanced along the strategic Bab al-Mandab strait and launched attacks on Saudi territory and oil infrastructure.

Known from the source

• Loud explosions were reported in Sanaa on Saturday with Houthi media blaming Saudi air strikes.
• Al-Masirah TV described the events as "Saudi aggression" without specifying targets or casualties.
• Earlier in the week, Houthis accused Saudi Arabia of bombing Sanaa for the first time since renewed fighting broke out in July.
• Fighting has intensified since July after the breakdown of a truce and an unauthorized Iranian flight to Sanaa carrying a Houthi delegation.
• The Houthis have launched missile strikes on Saada governorate's telecommunications network.

What remains unclear

Saudi Arabia has reportedly requested support from the United States in response to Houthi attacks, though US President Donald Trump has declined involvement according to media reports. The strategic and maritime dimensions of the conflict are heightened by the Houthis' naval blockade in the Red Sea and recent attacks on facilities belonging to Saudi oil giant Aramco near Riyadh.

What remains unclear: Confirm whether the central claim is corroborated; until then treat it as unconfirmed/hearsay. Independent verification of the Saudi air strikes on Sanaa reported by Houthi media. Confirmation of targets, extent of damage, and casualties from the reported air strikes and missile attacks. Verification of claims regarding the strategic impact of recent Houthi advances and the naval blockade.

Evidence note

This story contains report-led claims. The article keeps those claims attributed and treats them as unconfirmed/hearsay unless independently corroborated.

Original source: France 24 Middle East. Open the source.