Saudi Arabia is preparing a large-scale military operation against the Houthis, beginning with a naval campaign and possibly a ground offensive in central Yemen, according to Yemeni sources cited by The Guardian. The goal is to break the Houthi-imposed blockade on Saudi oil exports. Riyadh is simultaneously building a 14-nation maritime coalition, including Egypt and Turkey, to protect Red Sea shipping. Saudi forces have reportedly withdrawn from eastern Yemen, signaling readiness for a ground operation.
The Guardian report, citing Yemeni sources, now confirms that the 14-nation maritime coalition includes Egypt and Turkey — a new detail on the composition of the force. Saudi forces have also been observed withdrawing from eastern Yemen, a move that may signal readiness for a ground operation. The new report adds to the thread that began earlier today (Fri 09:47 Jerusalem) with The Guardian's initial report on Saudi Arabia's planned sea and ground offensive to break the Houthi blockade on oil exports. The Zioneer covered the story at 10:51 Jerusalem, and the thread has since expanded with additional details on the coalition's membership and force movements.
Earlier today, The Guardian reported that Saudi Arabia is concentrating forces in the Al-Bayda governorate, which the Houthis captured in 2020–2021, and that the kingdom is preparing a combined naval and ground maneuver. The initial report was followed by confirmation from KAN (Israel's public broadcaster) of a ground invasion plan. The thread has evolved from a single-source claim to a multi-source report, with the coalition now confirmed to include 14 nations, among them Egypt and Turkey.
As The Zioneer reported earlier (Thu Jul 30, 21:28 Jerusalem), Saudi Arabia announced a 14-nation maritime coalition in late July to protect Red Sea shipping. The Houthis, backed by Iran, have escalated attacks on Saudi energy infrastructure and commercial vessels, disrupting global trade. The current operation is framed as a direct response to the Houthi-imposed blockade on Saudi oil exports.
The operation remains unconfirmed by official Saudi sources. The report relies on anonymous Yemeni sources cited by The Guardian, and no official statement has been issued. The timeline for any action is unclear, and the scale of the ground maneuver remains speculative.
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