Saudi Arabia Approves Major Military Operation Against Houthis, Requests US Airstrike Support

Saudi Arabia is moving toward a decisive military confrontation with the Houthi movement in Yemen. According to reports from journalist Barak Ravid and regional sources, the Kingdom has finalized operational plans for a multi-front offensive. This development follows the massive mobilization of over 100,000 soldiers, a force primarily composed of local Yemeni ground units supported and supervised by Saudi military leadership.

Diplomatic Appeals and US Posture

On Thursday, Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman held a high-level discussion with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. During the call, Riyadh requested that the United States provide direct airstrike support to accompany the planned ground maneuver. While the Trump administration has maintained a posture of direct kinetic confrontation with Iran elsewhere in the region, US officials clarified that they will not take part in airstrikes against the Houthis for now. However, reports indicate that Washington may reconsider this position should the Saudi-led operation encounter significant tactical difficulties.

Strategic Objectives

The primary goal of the upcoming campaign is to neutralize Houthi threats to international maritime traffic and restore security to the Red Sea. As The Zioneer reported earlier, Riyadh has concluded that limited deterrent strikes are no longer sufficient to protect its borders or energy infrastructure. The planned operation may involve a concentrated advance along the Yemeni coastline or a simultaneous assault across several fronts to stretch Houthi defenses.

Regional Support and Outlook

Beyond the United States, other international actors are reportedly providing indirect assistance. France and Egypt have allegedly sent defense systems to Saudi territory to bolster the Kingdom's protection during the offensive. While the exact commencement date of the operation remains unconfirmed, the high level of coordination and the scale of the force suggest that Riyadh is preparing for a high-intensity campaign. The Zioneer will continue to monitor official updates as the situation in Yemen develops.