Yemeni sources told The Guardian that Saudi Arabia is preparing a large-scale military operation against the Iran-backed Houthis, including an attack from the sea and possibly a ground offensive in central Yemen. The operation aims to break the Houthi naval blockade on Saudi oil exports. Saudi forces have been observed withdrawing from eastern Yemen, and troops are concentrating for a potential attack in the Al-Bayda governorate, which the Houthis captured in 2020–2021.
Yemeni sources told The Guardian that Saudi Arabia is preparing a large-scale military operation against the Iran-backed Houthis, combining a naval assault with a possible ground offensive in central Yemen. The operation's stated goal is to break the Houthi naval blockade on Saudi oil exports through the Red Sea. Saudi forces have been observed withdrawing from eastern Yemen, and troops are concentrating in the Al-Bayda governorate, which the Houthis captured in 2020–2021.
The report, published at 10:50, adds new details to a story The Zioneer first reported at 10:25. Earlier today at 09:47, initial reports emerged of Saudi preparations for a ground invasion of Yemen. The Zioneer's bulletin at 10:25 confirmed those reports with additional sourcing. The new Guardian report specifies a maritime dimension and identifies Al-Bayda as the target area. These developments follow Saudi Arabia's announcement on Thursday at 21:28 of a 14-nation maritime coalition to protect Red Sea shipping, a move that aligns with the reported military preparations.
The Houthi threat has escalated significantly in recent weeks. As The Zioneer reported on July 27, Iraqi Shia militias joined Houthi strikes on Saudi oil facilities, including the Abqaiq processing plant. On July 30, sources told The Zioneer that a Houthi attack on Saudi Arabia from Iraq was coordinated with local groups under IRGC oversight. The Houthis ended their ceasefire with Saudi Arabia in late July, striking Saudi oil tankers and the Aramco refinery in Jazan.
The Guardian's report is based on Yemeni sources and has not been confirmed by official Saudi statements. No timeline for the operation has been specified.
7 developments
- StrongSaudi Arabia reportedly working to establish international Red Sea coalition against Houthi attacks
- StrongSaudi Arabia announces 14-nation maritime coalition to protect Red Sea shipping
- DevelopingSaudi Arabia prepares 'violent wave' of strikes against Houthis, warns of Iranian attack plans
- DevelopingReuters: Pakistan prepares to join fighting against Houthis in Yemen as regional tensions escalate
Source and signal
- Open-source intake