Saudi Arabia Prepares Ground Assault Against Houthi Rebels in Yemen

Saudi Arabia is reportedly redeploying troops from eastern Yemen in preparation for a ground offensive against Houthi rebels. This move comes as Riyadh assembles a naval coalition to protect shipping lanes in the Red Sea and Bab-el-Mandeb Strait from rebel attacks.

The Saudi-led coalition has secured a joint statement backing the creation of this naval coalition from 14 countries, including Turkey, Pakistan, Egypt, Sudan, and Djibouti. The kingdom is also seeking assistance from the United States and several European nations to safeguard maritime routes through the EU's Aspides operation in the Red Sea.

The Houthis have claimed responsibility for striking 'sensitive' oil transport infrastructure in Saudi Arabia last week, targeting routes linking fields in the Eastern Province to export terminals at the Red Sea ports of Yanbu and Jeddah. If successful, these attacks could cut off Saudi shipping through the Red Sea, threatening the kingdom's oil exports.