In brief
On November 9, Yemen's Houthi movement publicly cautioned foreign firms in Saudi Arabia to provide their identities and locations to a Sana'a-based coordination center as a means of avoiding potential strikes. The warning applies to entities from nations not involved in the Saudi‑led military campaign, while those from partner states may still be targeted. Houthi spokesman Yahya Sarea also reported a surge of Saudi airstrikes and the shoot‑down of a Houthi drone, underscoring the heightened tensions in the region.
On Monday, November 9, the Yemenite Houthi movement urged foreign companies operating in Saudi Arabia to register their identities and investment locations with the Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center in Sana'a, warning that failure to do so could expose their facilities to potential attacks amid escalating military tensions between the group and Saudi Arabia.
The Houthi‑run al‑Masirah TV channel, drawing on a “Houthi military source,” explained that the exemption from attacks would not apply to firms from countries involved in the Saudi‑led coalition’s military campaign against Yemen. It added that such firms’ investments could be considered potential targets as the Houthis continue operations against Saudi economic infrastructure.
Companies from countries not involved in the “aggression” could avoid potential strikes by registering with the Sana'a center. The source also advised employees and others working at or near facilities previously designated as targets to stay away, citing risks to their lives. Firms seeking to withdraw their investments from Saudi Arabia would receive assistance in relocating their assets if they notified the relevant authorities in Sana'a.
Meanwhile, Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea posted on X that Saudi warplanes had carried out 103 airstrikes over the past 24 hours across six Yemeni provinces, claiming civilian casualties. He put the total number of Saudi airstrikes and missile attacks at 4,563 since the latest escalation began.
"Saudi warplanes had carried out 103 airstrikes over the past 24 hours across six Yemeni provinces, claiming civilian casualties," Sarea said.
In a separate statement, Sarea claimed that Houthi forces had shot down a Saudi CH‑4 armed reconnaissance drone over the northern province of Al‑Jawf, describing it as the fourth aircraft of its type downed since the escalation began.
The warnings come amid an escalating military confrontation between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia, marked by Houthi claims of missile and drone strikes deep inside Saudi territory and continued Saudi‑led airstrikes across Yemen. The country has been mired in conflict since late 2014, when the Houthis seized the capital, Sana'a, prompting a Saudi‑led coalition to intervene in 2015 in support of the internationally recognized government.
Uncertainties that persist include whether foreign firms will register with the Sana'a center, the extent to which they may be shielded from attacks, the future frequency or intensity of Saudi airstrikes, and whether the Houthis will continue to claim drone and missile successes against Saudi targets.”
