Yemen Launches Major Offensive Against Houthis
Yemen’s Saudi-backed, internationally recognised government has launched a major military campaign against the Iran-backed Houthi movement. The operation aims to retake territory controlled by the group.
President Rashad al-Alimi announced the operation in a televised address. He said government forces would continue fighting until they regained control of the country.
The offensive follows recent Houthi gains. The group has pushed government forces back in several areas.
The Houthis have controlled Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, since 2014. They also control large parts of the northwest, where most of the country’s population lives.
Red Sea access remains strategically important
The conflict has significance beyond Yemen. The country controls territory near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
The waterway ranks among the world’s key maritime routes. It connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden.
The Houthis have previously targeted shipping in and around the Red Sea. The latest fighting has also raised concerns about regional transport routes and energy infrastructure.
The escalation follows Houthi claims of missile and drone attacks. The group said it targeted Saudi Aramco facilities in Riyadh and the Khurais area.
The attacks raised concerns about possible disruptions to Saudi Arabia’s oil production. However, authorities had not independently confirmed the claims at the time.
Saudi-backed forces prepare for wider campaign
The Yemeni government’s announcement follows reports of preparations for a broader offensive. Saudi Arabia and its Yemeni allies had reportedly been considering several military options.
The campaign aims to regain territory from the Houthis. It also seeks to reduce their control over strategic areas along Yemen’s Red Sea coast.
The latest escalation adds another layer of risk to the wider Middle East conflict. Markets are closely monitoring the situation.
Any disruption around the Red Sea or Bab el-Mandeb could affect shipping and energy flows. It could also increase transportation costs.
