Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia are once again putting the Red Sea and wider Middle East security landscape under intense scrutiny, with claims of a major drone and missile barrage targeting strategic locations across the kingdom, including areas around Riyadh and key energy infrastructure. The reported escalation comes amid renewed fighting in Yemen, as Saudi-backed forces intensify operations against Houthi positions and push to disrupt the group's military capabilities. The latest developments point to a widening confrontation involving Houthi missile and drone attacks, Saudi military strikes and a growing battle for control of strategic territory along Yemen's Red Sea coast. Reports of strikes on weapons depots, booby-trapped boats and naval mines in Hodeidah have further raised concerns over the threat to Red Sea shipping and maritime security around the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

A deadly chain of events unfolded in Los Angeles after an NBC LA news helicopter crashed near the scene of a fatal Metro bus and SUV collision in the San Fernando Valley. The NBC-TV helicopter reportedly went down near Nordhoff Street and De Soto Avenue while aerial crews were covering the earlier road crash. The aircraft crashed between buildings, landing on shipping containers and parked vehicles before a massive fire broke out at the scene. Three people were reportedly killed in the helicopter crash, while another person was injured and taken to hospital. The status of the helicopter crew was initially unclear as Los Angeles firefighters rushed to the area and worked to contain the blaze. The helicopter crash occurred as emergency responders were already dealing with the deadly Metro bus collision. Firefighters were reportedly rescuing people trapped inside the bus when the news aircraft came down nearby. WATCH