Saudi forces planning ‘major offensive against Houthis in central Yemen’
Summary
Saudi Arabia is preparing a major military attack against the Houthi rebels in central Yemen to protect its oil shipments through the southern Red Sea. Saudi Arabia is also building an international naval coalition to defend ships from Houthi attacks in the Red Sea and nearby waters.Key Facts
- Saudi forces are moving troops in Yemen, possibly to attack the central governorate of al-Bayda, held by Houthis.
- The Houthis control Yemen’s capital and much of its Red Sea coast and have announced a blockade on Saudi ships.
- Fourteen countries, including Turkey, Pakistan, Egypt, Sudan, and Djibouti, support a multinational naval defense coalition led by Saudi Arabia.
- Saudi Arabia has asked the US and European countries to join the Red Sea naval coalition; the EU already has a mission in the area.
- The Houthis said they hit important Saudi oil transport sites and demand Saudi Arabia lift its blockade on Yemen to end their own blockade.
- Saudi Arabia relies on the Red Sea route to export more than half its oil, especially since the Strait of Hormuz is blocked.
- Saudi airstrikes recently targeted Houthi positions in Yemen’s port city of Hodeidah, and the Houthis attacked Saudi oil facilities and ships.
- Saudi Arabia and the US carried out strikes against Iran-backed militias in Iraq, with discussions ongoing about limiting escalation with Iran.
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