A report from Britain indicates that Saudi Arabia is preparing for a comprehensive military operation against the Iran-backed Houthi movement in Yemen, involving both naval and ground forces. The report comes amid ongoing regional tensions following Houthi attacks on Saudi territory and Red Sea shipping.
A new report from British sources, published Friday, indicates that Saudi Arabia is preparing a comprehensive military operation against the Iran-backed Houthi movement in Yemen, involving both naval and ground forces. The report comes as the latest in a series of developments on Friday, including earlier reports from The Guardian detailing Saudi plans for a naval maneuver and a 14-nation maritime coalition, and initial unverified claims of a ground invasion.
As The Zioneer reported at 09:47 Jerusalem on Friday, preliminary reports from a single unverified source claimed Saudi Arabia was preparing a ground invasion of Yemen. A subsequent report from The Guardian, also at 09:47, provided more detail, citing Saudi defense minister statements and the formation of a 14-nation coalition. The current report adds a British source to the mix, but the information remains unconfirmed.
The Houthis have escalated attacks in recent weeks. As The Zioneer reported on July 30, the Houthis conducted an attack on Saudi Arabia from Iraqi territory, coordinated with local groups and under IRGC oversight. On the same day, Saudi Arabia announced a 14-nation maritime coalition to protect Red Sea shipping. In June, the Houthis claimed missile strikes on Israel and a Saudi airbase. The Houthis are a key component of the Iran-led 'Axis of Resistance'.
The report of a major Saudi offensive remains based on a single British source and has not been independently verified. The scale, timing, and specific targets of the operation are not yet detailed.
5 developments
- DevelopingSaudi Arabia prepares 'violent wave' of strikes against Houthis, warns of Iranian attack plans
- StrongSaudi Arabia reportedly working to establish international Red Sea coalition against Houthi attacks
- DevelopingReuters: Pakistan prepares to join fighting against Houthis in Yemen as regional tensions escalate
- DevelopingUnverified report: Pro-Saudi Yemeni forces moving toward Houthi territory ahead of attack
Source and signal
- Open-source intake