Saudi-Houthi Escalation: Saudi Arabia says it intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone aimed toward Mecca, calling the holy city a “red line,” while the Houthis deny targeting Makkah and accuse Riyadh of fabrications. Air War Over Yemen: The Houthis released video claiming they shot down a Saudi F-15 over Marib with a locally made surface-to-air missile; Saudi has not confirmed. Regional Pressure on Saudi Defenses: With missile interceptors running low, Saudi Arabia has asked France, the UK, Pakistan and Egypt for air-defense help as strikes and drone attacks intensify. US Diplomacy in Oman: US officials met Houthi representatives in Muscat over the weekend, with sources saying the Houthis reiterated they won’t target US vessels and remain committed to the 2025 ceasefire. Red Sea Stakes: The Houthis are reinforcing positions around Bab al-Mandeb, digging trenches after seizing Yemen’s Red Sea coastline—raising risks for global shipping and oil flows. Humanitarian Fallout: Djibouti says arrivals of Yemenis fleeing fighting have exceeded national capacity, warning numbers could reach 10,000 soon, as displacement tops 100,000 across the country.