Analysts examine Houthi capabilities as Saudi Arabia fends off strikes

▲ Escalating

Houthi missiles hit Aden and Saudi Arabia reports intercepting a drone aimed at Mecca

On Friday, Houthi missiles struck Aden, where residents are stockpiling food and drawing up escape plans for fear of a return to all-out war. Saudi Arabia said it intercepted a Houthi drone targeting Mecca, which the Houthis deny, and the Houthis claimed six attacks on Saudi airports and oil facilities. Humanitarian conditions are worsening: the UNHCR says more than 280,000 people are displaced and aid is hard to reach, while Taiz remains under a month-long siege.

• The UNHCR says more than 280,000 people have been displaced in Yemen and many vulnerable people cannot reach relief because it is too dangerous.
• Taiz governor Nabil Shamsan says oxygen, food and water are running low in the besieged city and that massacres are taking place; the siege has doubled prices.
• The Houthi attack claims came despite talks in Tehran between Iran and the Mecca pact countries earlier this week.
• Analysts cite seized state arsenals, outside backing and a major military evolution as helping the Houthis, and ask whether they are using Russian satellites.