Yemen's Saudi-backed government has announced a significant military operation aimed at reclaiming territory from the Iran-backed Houthis. This announcement follows a series of exchanges of strikes between the Houthis and the Saudi-led coalition in recent days.
Recent Developments
On Sunday, the Houthis claimed responsibility for attacks on sites belonging to Saudi national oil company Aramco, stating that the strikes were a response to approximately 50 air and missile strikes conducted by the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen within a span of 12 hours. As of now, Saudi Arabia has not issued a comment regarding these claims.
The conflict intensified in September when the Houthis captured the entire Red Sea coast, including the crucial shipping lane of the Bab al-Mandab Strait, which has further disrupted global oil supplies. The capital, Sanaa, has been under Houthi control for over a decade and is currently facing sustained attacks as government forces attempt to diminish the group's military strength.
Military Operations
In a televised address, Yemeni President Rashad al-Alimi declared, "Today, I announce the start of military operations to retake the remaining territory of the republic and extend the authority of the state and its institutions across the entire national territory."
The frontline remains concentrated around the key city of Taiz, which is still under the control of the internationally recognized government. The Houthis are engaged in fierce battles with government forces, aiming to secure coastal areas and the Bab al-Mandab Strait. On Sunday, the Houthis reportedly severed a vital supply route linking Taiz with Aden, the interim capital of the Yemeni government, effectively encircling Taiz.
