Saudi Arabia Deploys Troops for Yemen Operation

Saudi Arabia is planning to launch a military operation against Houthi rebels in Yemen to retake control of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a crucial maritime trade route. The Houthis have gained significant ground in recent months, pushing back Saudi-backed forces and threatening global trade and oil supplies.

The Bab al-Mandeb Strait connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean, making it a vital passage for ships traveling between Asia and Europe via the Suez Canal. Twelve percent of the world's oil passes through this route, which is why Saudi Arabia is eager to secure control.

The operation would be led by Yemeni forces with support from Saudi Arabia, and could involve deploying over 100,000 troops. However, the US has not agreed to provide direct military assistance or air strikes, citing concerns about getting drawn into a larger conflict.