Yemen’s Government Launches Offensive to Retake Houthi-Controlled Areas

Yemen’s Saudi-backed government has launched a new military operation aimed at retaking all territory held by the Houthi rebels. The announcement came from Rashad al-Alimi, head of Yemen’s presidential council, who declared the start of operations to reclaim remaining areas and extend state authority nationwide. This move follows recent Houthi gains, including control over parts of the Red Sea coastline and the strategically vital Bab al-Mandab strait, a critical chokepoint for international shipping.

The Houthis have made significant advances, reportedly encircling the government-held city of Taiz and cutting a vital supply route linking it to Aden, the interim capital. Heavy fighting in and around Taiz has resulted in over 70 deaths in the past day, according to sources from both sides. The Houthis claim to have taken control of the al-Safiya area, halting traffic along the main road and surrounding Taiz city.

In response to what they described as 50 Saudi-led air and missile strikes in Yemen, the Houthis launched ballistic missiles and drones at Saudi energy company Aramco’s sites in Riyadh and Khurais, causing large fires. There was no immediate confirmation from Saudi Arabia regarding these attacks. Meanwhile, Saudi oil exports are already under pressure due to Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz in the Gulf.