Saudi foreign minister warns of wider Houthi threat to shipping routes

Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister said on Thursday that Houthi attacks from Yemen now pose a broader threat to regional and international security, especially along key shipping lanes in the Red Sea. Speaking in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud said Saudi forces intercepted six ballistic missiles fired toward the kingdom, with no immediate confirmation of casualties or damage. Saudi authorities also issued alerts in several cities, including Jeddah and Mecca, before saying the danger had passed. He said Riyadh is coordinating with the United States and other international partners as the conflict affects the Bab elMandeb Strait, a vital route for global trade and Saudi oil exports. The remarks came as reports said Washington had declined a Saudi request for direct military intervention, while continuing intelligence and targeting support.