Stories
Houthis Claim 94 Saudi Strikes in Yemen as Riyadh Plans Red Sea Offensive
- •Yemen's Houthi group claims Saudi Arabia conducted 94 strikes in 24 hours across Sana'a, Saada, Taiz, Hajjah, Amran, and Al Bayda, causing civilian casualties.
- •The Houthis state the total number of Saudi strikes since the latest escalation began has reached 1,350.
- •Saudi-led coalition intercepted and destroyed three ballistic missiles launched towards Khamis Mushait in southern Saudi Arabia.
- •Saudi Arabia is preparing a military offensive, potentially involving over 100,000 Yemeni troops, to regain control of strategic coastal areas around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
- •The US provides intelligence and military advisers, while Pakistan and Turkey supply military equipment to support Saudi operations in Yemen.
Key Questions Answered
Saudi Arabia is preparing a military offensive to reverse Houthi advances and regain control of strategic coastal areas along the Red Sea, particularly around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Riyadh concluded it cannot enter peace talks while the Houthis control this vital maritime passage, which gives them significant leverage over international shipping.
The United States is providing intelligence, including targeting information, and military advisers to support Saudi air operations, though US President Donald Trump rejected requests for direct military strikes. Additionally, Pakistan and Turkey have supplied military equipment such as cargo planes, air defence systems, drones, and anti-drone systems, while France plans to send defensive systems and troops to protect Yanbu.
Saudi officials are weighing two primary options for the operation: a limited targeted operation focused strictly on the area around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, or a broader assault involving coordinated multi-front attacks across governorates including Al Bayda, Marib, Taiz, and Al Jawf. Depending on the scale chosen, the offensive could mobilize more than 100,000 Yemeni troops overseen by Riyadh.
