Yemen Government Launches Major Offensive Against Houthi Rebels

Yemen's internationally recognized government has launched a major military operation to reclaim territory held by the Houthi rebels. The announcement follows recent exchanges of strikes between the Houthis and the Saudi-led coalition. The Iran-backed Houthis claimed to have targeted Saudi oil giant Aramco in response to what they described as 50 coalition strikes in a 12-hour period.

Yemeni President Rashad al-Alimi declared in a televised address on Sunday that military operations would begin to retake all territory under Houthi control. The conflict has intensified around the key city of Taiz, with the Houthis cutting off a vital supply route to Aden, the interim capital of the Yemeni government. Security sources report that the Houthis have made significant gains, effectively encircling Taiz.

The Houthis have also targeted Saudi Arabia's economic infrastructure, claiming successful drone and missile strikes on Aramco facilities in Riyadh and Khurais. Saudi Arabia has yet to comment on these claims but has previously dismissed similar Houthi statements as misleading. The escalating conflict highlights the broader implications for global oil markets and economic stability.

Yemen remains one of the world's poorest countries, gripped by a humanitarian crisis since the war began in 2014. The conflict reignited in July amid wider regional tensions, with the Houthis seizing the Red Sea coast last month. This strategic move has forced Saudi Arabia back into direct confrontation with the Houthis, further complicating efforts for a resolution.