Saudi Arabia Braces for Major Military Operation Against Houthi Rebels

Saudi Arabia is reportedly preparing for a major military operation against Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels, which could include a naval campaign and potentially a ground assault in central Yemen.

Riyadh has been repositioning its forces in Yemen and seeking a multinational naval coalition to protect shipping in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab strait after the Houthis announced a blockade of Saudi ships on July 20. They claim it will remain in place until Saudi Arabia ends what they call its blockade of Yemen.

The Houthi rebels have also struck oil transport infrastructure linking Saudi oilfields to a Red Sea export hub, which could severely constrain Saudi exports if access to the Red Sea is cut while the Strait of Hormuz is blocked. 14 countries, including Turkey, Pakistan, Egypt, Sudan, and Djibouti, have backed Riyadh's initiative for a multinational naval coalition.