Houthi rebels reject Saudi peace talks amid escalating border attacks

Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have rejected a proposal from Saudi Arabia to hold peace talks in Muscat, Oman, aimed at reducing regional tensions. Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Rayed Krimli confirmed that despite Riyadh's efforts to establish direct communication, the Houthis declined the invitation to mediate through Oman.

Conflict intensity has surged following the breakdown of previous ceasefire agreements. Houthi forces have increased strikes against Saudi infrastructure, including at least 20 attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh over the last 11 days, targeting oil facilities and ports. The Saudi-led coalition reported 17 deaths and over 300 injuries from these actions. Additionally, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed their air defense forces shot down a Saudi Apache helicopter near the Najran province border, though Saudi officials have not officially confirmed this specific incident.

In Yemen, Houthi missile strikes targeted the ‘Al-Mashik’ presidential palace in Aden, killing at least five people, including two bodyguards of the Prime Minister. This marks the first major strike against the internationally recognized government's headquarters in Aden since the Houthis seized Sana'a in 2014, raising concerns of a return to full-scale civil war.