Saudi-Backed Forces Launch Major Offensive in Yemen Amid U.S. Support
Yemen’s Saudi-backed government has launched a major offensive, dubbed "Dawn of Yemen," aimed at retaking the capital Sana’a from Ansarallah forces. The operation, announced by Rashad al-Alimi, head of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council, seeks to restore state institutions and end the Houthi coup. Mohammed Al-Bukhaiti, a member of Ansarallah’s political bureau, dismissed the announcement, stating that the conflict is between Yemen and Saudi Arabia, and accusing Saudi aircraft of bombing Yemen.
The Saudi-led coalition deployed 100 fighter jets to support the offensive, providing round-the-clock air cover and targeting 324 "high-value" sites. The coalition claimed significant gains, including control of the Dhubab district and airstrip, though Ansarallah-aligned media denied these advancements. Ansarallah retaliated by launching ballistic missiles and drones at Aramco facilities in Riyadh and Khurais, causing major fires.
The U.S. has provided Saudi Arabia with intelligence and targeting data for over 200 Ansarallah sites but has so far refrained from direct strikes. President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have rejected recent Saudi requests for U.S. involvement, citing concerns over diverting resources from Iran. Meanwhile, Saudi Aramco CEO Amin Nasser warned that replenishing global oil inventories could take up to two years due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.