Saudi Arabia Strikes Back Against Houthis in Yemen Offensive

Saudi Arabia has launched a major military offensive against the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen, aiming to reclaim key territory along the Red Sea. The operation, dubbed 'Operation Dawn of Yemen,' involved 100 fighter jets striking hundreds of targets. Saudi-backed forces reported recapturing the port city of Mokha, a critical oil shipping route, though the Houthis deny losing any territory.

The offensive comes after the Houthis captured Mokha and nearby islands in the Bab el-Mandeb strait three weeks ago. The Houthis have been targeting Saudi tankers, claiming the attacks are in response to Saudi Arabia's blockade of Houthi areas. Saudi Arabia maintains its blockade is to prevent Iran from supplying weapons to the Houthis.

Residents and aid workers report dire conditions in Yemen, with hospitals shut down and civilians displaced. The city of Taiz, which the Houthis have encircled, faces a crisis of aid and fuel after supply routes were cut off. Meanwhile, the Houthis claim to have struck Saudi Aramco oil sites and airports, though these claims remain unconfirmed.

Saudi Arabia is receiving military support from Britain, France, Pakistan, and Turkey under the Mecca Agreement, a defense pact signed over the summer. The U.S. is providing intelligence but has not agreed to Saudi Arabia's request for refueling support.