SAUDI ARABIA PLANS OFFENSIVE AGAINST HOUTHIS AMID RED SEA TENSIONS

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Saudi Arabia is preparing for a possible military offensive against Yemen’s Houthi forces as tensions around the Red Sea and the strategically important Bab el-Mandeb Strait continue to intensify.

According to officials familiar with the preparations, Riyadh is considering military options that could involve Yemeni forces supported by Saudi air power. The operation could focus on the coastal area around Bab el-Mandeb or expand into several parts of Yemen.

The plans come after Houthi forces made significant territorial gains along Yemen’s Red Sea coast and took control of the Bab el-Mandeb area, a crucial maritime passage connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden.

BAB EL-MANDEB AT THE CENTER OF THE DISPUTE

The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is one of the world's important shipping routes. It provides a maritime connection between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, linking trade between Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

Its strategic importance has increased amid disruptions elsewhere in the region. Control of the waterway could give whoever holds the area significant influence over commercial shipping and regional trade.

Saudi officials are reportedly concerned that continued Houthi control could strengthen the group's position in any future negotiations over Yemen.

POSSIBLE MILITARY OPTIONS

Regional and Western officials told Reuters that Saudi Arabia is considering two broad options.

The first would be a more limited operation aimed at regaining control around Bab el-Mandeb and restoring maritime access. The second would involve coordinated operations across several Yemeni provinces, including Al-Bayda, Marib, Taiz and Al-Jawf.

The scale and timing of any operation remain uncertain. Estimates from officials familiar with the preparations range from within weeks to a later date.

More than 100,000 Yemeni troops could potentially be mobilized, depending on the final scope of the operation.

INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT AND CONCERNS

The United States is providing intelligence and advisory assistance to Saudi Arabia, while Turkey and Pakistan have supplied military equipment. France has also announced defensive assistance aimed at protecting Saudi territory.

However, these countries are not currently expected to participate directly in Saudi combat operations, according to officials cited by Reuters.

The planned offensive also presents significant risks. Saudi Arabia must consider possible Houthi missile and drone attacks against its oil facilities and other infrastructure. The ability of Yemen’s various anti-Houthi forces to operate together could also affect any military campaign.

HUMANITARIAN CONCERNS

The renewed fighting is already having serious consequences for civilians in Yemen. The World Food Programme reported that 74% of families in government-controlled areas accessible to its operations were experiencing insufficient food.

Tens of thousands of people have reportedly been displaced, while disruptions to supply routes are pushing up prices of essential goods.

Yemen imports around 90% of its food, making continued disruption to ports and shipping routes particularly concerning.

WHAT COMES NEXT

Saudi Arabia has not publicly announced a specific date for a new offensive, and several governments involved have not confirmed the reported military plans.

Meanwhile, Pakistan says Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan are preparing emergency discussions about the possibility of engaging the Houthis politically.

The situation therefore remains fluid, with military preparations, diplomatic efforts and humanitarian concerns developing simultaneously. Any further escalation around Bab el-Mandeb could have consequences not only for Yemen and Saudi Arabia but also for regional security and international shipping.

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