Refinitiv cited regional and Western officials saying Saudi Arabia is planning a
military operation to break Iran-backed Houthi control of Red Sea shipping
lanes. Riyadh is weighing either a limited offensive around the Bab al-Mandeb
strait or a multi-front campaign across Bayda, Marib, Taiz and al-Jawf; action
is expected in the coming weeks. Saudi-backed Yemeni ground forces would lead
the operation with Saudi air support, and officials say more than 100,000 Yemeni
troops could be mobilized depending on scale. The reported move follows Houthi
coastal advances last month and their takeover of the Bab al-Mandeb, which Saudi Arabia
officials say has stalled prospects for renewed peace talks. The US is providing
intelligence and targeting support but is not expected to take part directly;
Turkey and Pakistan have supplied air-defence systems and drones. Sources
flagged key operational risks: integrating fragmented anti-Houthi factions
previously backed by Saudi and the UAE, and exposed to Houthi missile and UAV
strikes on Saudi oil infrastructure.
