Saudi Arabia and forces aligned with Yemen’s internationally recognized government are preparing a major operation against the Houthis near the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait, while the United States is declining to take part in direct airstrikes for now.
The campaign could begin within days or weeks and would rely on Yemeni troops fighting on the ground, supported by Saudi air power. Officials familiar with the preparations said Riyadh is considering either a focused assault along the Red Sea coast or a broader, coordinated offensive on several fronts. Depending on the final plan, more than 100,000 Yemeni personnel could be mobilized.
The reported objective is to push Houthi forces away from coastal areas that give them leverage over Bab el-Mandeb, a vital shipping route connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. Washington has reportedly provided intelligence support but has rejected Saudi requests to conduct offensive strikes, partly because the administration does not want to become directly involved in another regional front. U.S. officials said that position could change if the Saudi-backed operation encounters serious difficulties.
Saudi, Yemeni and Houthi authorities had not publicly confirmed the full scope or timing of the planned offensive.