Saudi Arabia Prepares Military Offensive Against Houthi-Controlled Bab el-Mandeb

Saudi Arabia is reportedly preparing to launch a military offensive against Yemen's Houthi movement in an effort to regain control of the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait and reopen a key Red Sea shipping route. The operation, which could begin within weeks, would be led primarily by Yemeni ground forces overseen by Riyadh, with Saudi Arabia providing air support.

The move follows a rapid Houthi advance along Yemen's Red Sea coast last month, during which the group seized territory and islands near Bab el-Mandeb. This has given them greater leverage over one of the world's most important maritime chokepoints.

The development has heightened Saudi concerns over the security of its Red Sea coastline and oil infrastructure. Riyadh believes it would be difficult to resume meaningful peace negotiations with the Houthis while they maintain control over territory around Bab el-Mandeb, making restoring the previous balance along the coast a central objective of the reported plans.

The potential campaign would represent a significant escalation in Yemen after a period in which the 2022 truce largely reduced large-scale fighting between the warring sides. The US is expected to remain involved but not directly participate in combat operations, providing intelligence and military advisers instead.