Yemeni Forces Launch Saudi-Backed Offensive to Retake Bab al-Mandeb

Key Facts

1Yemeni government forces backed by Saudi air cover launched a major ground offensive to reclaim territory from Houthi rebels.

2U.S. officials stated the U.S. is providing intelligence support but currently refuses to engage in direct combat.

3Houthis targeted Saudi Aramco facilities with missiles over the weekend as the military operation commenced.

Yemeni government forces backed by Saudi air cover launched a major ground offensive to reclaim territory from Houthi rebels. According to Axios, the operation aims to retake the capital Sanaa and the strategic Bab al-Mandeb Strait. U.S. officials stated that the United States is providing intelligence support but currently refuses to engage in direct combat.

Houthis targeted Saudi Aramco facilities with missiles over the weekend as the military operation commenced. This escalation in a vital oil transit corridor increases regional risk premiums. The military move seeks to neutralize Houthi leverage over global trade routes and oil exports following the failure of diplomatic de-escalation efforts.