Houthi forces have mounted some of their deadliest strikes in weeks, raising
concern Yemen may slide into full-scale war as the conflict spreads across the
Middle East. The Houthis accuse Saudi Arabia of resupplying Yemeni government
forces via Mocha port and say Riyadh and Yemeni allies are planning operations
against Houthi-held areas. Since January, Yemeni government forces have moved
toward unified command and demonstrated stronger air-strike capability. The
Houthis’ recent escalation appears aimed at disrupting government preparations,
degrading capabilities and forcing a defensive posture, while shaping the rules
of any future confrontation. Analysts note a Saudi-led large-scale ground
invasion is not inevitable: air campaigns alone have failed to defeat the
Houthis over the past decade, Yemen’s mountainous terrain makes ground
operations costly, and Saudi Arabia lacks appetite for a protracted war.
Consequently, a Saudi-backed offensive by Yemeni government forces is judged
more likely than direct large-scale Saudi ground involvement.
