The Houthis emerged in northern Yemen in the 1990s as a religious and political movement, later becoming a major armed force. PHOTO: REUTERS
Reported by:
Cherry Meigh Timbol
News Content Editor
Published September 22, 2026
The conflict in Yemen is showing signs of widening as the Houthi movement warns that countries supporting Saudi Arabia could become targets, while Pakistan and Türkiye face growing pressure to assist Riyadh amid an escalating military confrontation.
Houthis Warn Egypt, Türkiye and Pakistan
A Houthi official has warned that Egypt, Türkiye and Pakistan could become targets if they become involved in the Yemen conflict.
The warning comes as Saudi Arabia seeks regional assistance against Houthi forces and the group continues expanding its military operations along Yemen’s Red Sea coast.
The threat represents a warning about potential future action and does not mean that the Houthis have already attacked Egypt, Türkiye or Pakistan.
Pakistan and Türkiye Receive Direct Warning
The Houthis have separately warned Pakistan and Türkiye against military intervention alongside Saudi Arabia.
Mohammed al-Bukhaiti, a member of the Houthi political bureau and governor of Dhamar, said the group would respond militarily if either country became involved.
Pakistan Today reported that al-Bukhaiti described the potential response as “decisive and painful.”
Saudi Arabia Seeks Regional Support
The warnings come as Saudi Arabia confronts a major Houthi military campaign.
Reuters reported that Houthi forces have advanced along Yemen’s Red Sea coast and are attempting to seize strategic positions in Taiz and Lahij provinces.
The United Nations estimates that nearly 700 people have been killed and approximately 130,000 displaced during the recent fighting.
Saudi Arabia has responded with airstrikes against Houthi positions.
Pakistan’s Saudi Defense Commitment
Pakistan’s position is particularly important because of its defense relationship with Saudi Arabia.
Reuters previously reported that Saudi officials met with senior Pakistani and Turkish military representatives in Riyadh to discuss coordination in response to Houthi attacks.
Pakistani sources said there had been no decision to send Pakistani troops into Yemen and that any potential Pakistani military role would focus on defending Saudi territory.
Pakistan has also condemned Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed its support for Saudi security.
Türkiye’s Role Under Scrutiny
Türkiye is also facing pressure because of its defense relationship with Saudi Arabia.
The possibility of Turkish military assistance to Riyadh has become a major concern for the Houthis, who have warned Ankara against entering the conflict.
Egypt’s Strategic Position
Egypt is another important country because of its geographic position near the Red Sea and the Suez Canal.
Any expansion of the Yemen conflict toward Egyptian interests could have consequences for international shipping and one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes.
Red Sea Security and Global Energy
Houthi advances along Yemen’s Red Sea coast are raising concerns over the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and international shipping.
The conflict is also affecting Saudi Arabia’s oil-export strategy. Reuters reported that Saudi Arabia has increased shipments through the Strait of Hormuz as disruptions affect alternative export routes.
The developments demonstrate how the Yemen conflict is becoming increasingly connected to global energy markets.
United States Remains Cautious
The United States has so far avoided directly re-entering the Yemen conflict despite pressure from Saudi Arabia.
Reuters reported that President Donald Trump had reportedly considered U.S. strikes against the Houthis but ultimately did not proceed. Reuters said it could not independently verify that report.
Britain has agreed to provide limited defensive refueling support to Saudi Arabia, while France has indicated it could help protect Saudi energy infrastructure.
What Comes Next
The immediate question is whether Pakistan, Türkiye or other regional countries will provide military assistance to Saudi Arabia and what form that assistance could take.
Pakistan has emphasized its support for Saudi security while indicating that its defense arrangements do not automatically mean sending troops into Yemen.
The Houthis’ latest warnings indicate that the group is prepared to threaten potential participants as the Saudi-Yemen conflict intensifies.
🧩 Bottom Line:
The Yemen conflict is entering a more dangerous phase as Houthi forces expand their territorial gains and warn countries that could assist Saudi Arabia.
Pakistan and Türkiye face particular pressure because of their security relationships with Riyadh, while Egypt’s position near the Red Sea and Suez Canal gives it an important stake in the crisis.
Whether the conflict remains concentrated in Yemen or expands to involve additional regional powers could have major consequences for Red Sea shipping, Saudi oil exports and wider Middle East security.
SOURCES: ZEROHEDGE – Houthis Threaten Strikes On Egypt, Turkey, Pakistan Interests As Yemen Intervention Looms
THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE – Houthis threaten ‘decisive’ response if Pakistan, Turkiye intervene in Yemen
