Saudi airstrikes and a follow-on counteroffensive are focused on recapturing
Mocha and territory south toward the Bab al-Mandeb, initiated by an air
campaign. The Houthis anticipated the move and employ concealed warfare—deep
bunkers and hidden weapon, launch and air-defence sites—which has previously
frustrated U.S. and Israeli efforts to neutralize Houthi military capacity and
its ability to launch ballistic strikes at vessels linked to Israel. Success
will require Saudi forces or Yemen's internationally recognized government to
sustain a southern ground presence extending to the Houthis' largest military
base and the weapons depot the group seized on Thursday. Retaking those areas
will require a large-scale ground offensive.
