The internationally recognized Yemeni government's armed forces conducted strikes against what a spokesperson described as 'vital targets' in the Houthi-held capital Sanaa early Sunday. The operation marks an intensification of the conflict between the Saudi-backed government and the Iran-backed Houthi movement. Further details on the extent of the strikes were not immediately available.
The internationally recognized Yemeni government's armed forces conducted strikes on the Houthi-held capital Sanaa early Sunday, targeting what a military spokesperson described as 'vital targets.' The Jerusalem Post reported the development, citing the spokesperson, though no details on specific targets or casualties were provided. The operation marks a new phase in the escalation, with Yemeni government-aligned forces — rather than the Saudi-led coalition — taking direct action against the Houthi stronghold.
The Zioneer has been tracking the intensifying campaign since Friday evening, when Reuters reported that Saudi Arabia was preparing a large-scale military operation involving up to 100,000 Yemeni fighters. On Saturday, The Zioneer reported that Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman had approved plans and requested US airstrike support. Throughout Saturday, Saudi Arabia carried out waves of airstrikes on Sanaa: more than 10 strikes were reported by midday, followed by 26 strikes according to the Houthi-run news agency, and a second wave overnight into Sunday. Footage of the overnight Saudi strikes was published early Sunday.
The Houthi movement has held Sanaa since 2014, governing from the city while the internationally recognized government operates from Aden and other areas. The Saudi-led coalition backing the recognized government has carried out periodic airstrikes against Houthi positions. As The Zioneer has previously reported, Houthi missile and drone attacks have targeted Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, and previous Saudi-led operations have sought to contain the Iran-backed group. The latest strikes by Yemeni government forces reflect the ongoing civil war and the broader regional confrontation with Iran's proxies.
The specific extent of the Yemeni government strikes, including damage and potential casualties, remains unclear. The report has not been independently verified, and no further details have been released by Yemeni or Saudi officials at this time.
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