Saudi Forces Mass Near Yemen's Al-Bayda as Maritime Tensions Escalate

Saudi Arabia is reportedly preparing for a naval and possible ground operation against the Houthis in central Yemen, specifically targeting al-Bayda governorate. The area was captured by the group in 2020 and 2021, and Saudi forces have been pulling back from eastern Yemen, possibly to prepare for a ground assault.

The buildup follows a July 20 maritime blockade declared by the Houthis after strikes on Sanaa International Airport on July 13. The Houthi forces have since fired ballistic missiles at tankers and said they struck oil transport sites linking Eastern Province oilfields to a Red Sea export hub.

Saudi Arabia has formed a multinational maritime defense alliance with 14 countries, including Turkey, Pakistan, Egypt, and Qatar, to secure the Red Sea and other key shipping lanes. The country has also asked several Western nations, including the US, UK, France, Germany, and Italy, to join.

A regional source told CNN that a large force of anti-Houthi Yemeni fighters is assembling in eastern Yemen's deserts and would advance with Saudi air support, including AH-64 Apache attack helicopters.