Saudi Arabia Prepares Naval Assault on Houthi-Controlled Yemen

Saudi Arabia is stepping up its military campaign against the Houthi rebels in Yemen, who control the capital Sana'a and much of the Red Sea coastline. In a bid to protect its shipping routes and oil facilities, Riyadh has reportedly begun withdrawing troops from eastern Yemen.

The Houthis have launched attacks on Saudi oil facilities from Iraqi territory in coordination with Iran-backed militias, according to assessments by Saudi Arabia and regional partners. The Saudi defence ministry said 14 states, including Turkey, Pakistan, Egypt, Sudan, and Djibouti, issued a joint statement supporting a multinational maritime defence coalition.

The conflict has been escalating for months, with the Houthis firing missiles at two Saudi oil complexes on the Red Sea coast last weekend. The Houthi-controlled port of Hodeidah has also been targeted by Saudi airstrikes in recent days.