Shocking Gulf Conflict Escalates With Strikes And Ship Attacks
On Sunday, September 13, 2026, the Gulf region experienced a series of violent escalations. Houthi forces claimed to have struck the Sharurah military base in Saudi Arabia using drones and ballistic missiles, targeting weapons depots and command centers. Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree stated the attacks were in retaliation for Saudi air strikes on Yemen. Separately, Saudi Civil Defence confirmed that a Houthi projectile landed in the Al-Tuwal governorate in Jazan on Saturday night, resulting in two injuries, damage to a mosque, and the destruction of houses and vehicles. An alert was also lifted in Khamis Mushait following an additional threat.
Maritime Attacks And Regional Displacement
Maritime security was significantly compromised on Sunday morning. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported a vessel was hit by a projectile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Additionally, Iranian state media reported that a commercial ship off Qeshm Island was struck, resulting in one death and three injuries. Explosions were reported in the vicinity of Qeshm overnight. The broader regional conflict, which reignited in July following a 2022 ceasefire, has seen significant displacement. According to the UN migration agency, 76,000 people have been displaced since July, with 1,400 individuals crossing into Djibouti. Djibouti’s finance minister confirmed these arrivals. Both sides of the conflict report high casualties, with sources estimating more than 500 deaths since the fighting resumed. Houthis claim to have faced 129 Saudi air strikes within a 48-hour period while asserting control over Mocha and key islands near the Bab el-Mandab strait.
Diplomatic Stall And Oil Transit Threats
Diplomatic efforts to address the crisis remain stalled. Bahrain has officially pulled out of scheduled talks in Oman, stating it will not engage with Iran until diplomatic relations are restored. While Qatar and Oman continue dialogue, reports from Axios indicate that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman twice requested US strikes against the Houthis last week, a request allegedly denied by Donald Trump, who suggested the situation would resolve itself. The regional crisis now threatens to disrupt global oil transit through the Bab el-Mandab and Hormuz chokepoints.