Yemen's Houthi rebels claimed late Wednesday to have attacked Saudi Arabia's Khamis Mushait airbase and an oil facility in Yanbu port, and shot down a Saudi F-15 fighter jet. This followed 40 airstrikes by the Saudi-led coalition on Houthi positions. Saudi Arabia has sought air defense support from allies including France, Pakistan, Egypt, and the UK due to insufficient missile interceptor stockpiles. US officials held direct talks with Houthi representatives in Oman last weekend, where the Houthis stated no intention to attack US vessels and pledged to abide by the 2025 ceasefire agreement, but the US ruled out direct military intervention.