The Saudi-backed Yemeni government announced a major offensive against the Houthis, who have controlled Yemen's capital, Sanaa, and significant northwest regions since 2014.
President Rashad al-Alimi stated that the military campaign aims to liberate the country from what he termed a 'terrorist militia.' This escalation follows a recent Houthi offensive that captured the strategic Bab el-Mandeb strait, enhancing their leverage over a critical international shipping route.
In retaliation, the Houthis claimed to have launched missile attacks on Saudi Aramco facilities, citing recent Saudi airstrikes in Yemen. The U.S. is providing intelligence support to Saudi operations, indicating a deeper entanglement in the ongoing conflict.
The situation is further complicated by the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, where three in four families face hunger due to the ongoing violence. The potential for a siege of Taiz, a key city, raises concerns about worsening humanitarian conditions, as it is home to many civilians and government forces.
The outcome of this military campaign could significantly influence regional stability and international trade routes, particularly in the context of the broader U.S.-Iran tensions