Saudi minister vows ‘serious response’ to Houthi attacks on airports

A Saudi-led coalition has been providing air support for Yemeni pro-government forces battling the Houthis on Yemen's Red Sea coast and other areas.

However, the seizure of the strait contributed to a surge in global oil prices because Saudi Arabia had been relying on the Red Sea for oil exports after the US and Israel's war with Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz in the Gulf.

Pro-government forces said they were quickly able to retake areas around Bab al-Mandab with the help of intense Saudi air strikes, but the Houthis denied losing any territory.