Report: Saudi Arabia Prepares for Large-Scale Ground Operation in Yemen
Saudi Arabia is preparing for a large-scale military operation against Houthi rebels in Yemen, potentially including a ground offensive in the country's center, according to The Guardian. The move aims to break the Houthi blockade on Saudi oil export routes in the southern Red Sea.
Saudi Arabia is preparing for a large-scale military operation against Houthi rebels in Yemen, which may include a ground offensive in the center of the country, the British newspaper The Guardian reported, citing Yemeni sources. The move is intended to break the Houthi blockade on Saudi oil export routes in the southern Red Sea.
According to the sources, Saudi forces were seen withdrawing from eastern Yemen and regrouping in preparation for a possible offensive in the Al-Bayda province. This area, captured by the Houthis in 2020–2021, is considered a key point for a broader military operation against the Iran-backed organization.
Parallel to ground preparations, Riyadh is promoting the establishment of an international maritime coalition to secure shipping in the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The Saudi Ministry of Defense announced that 14 countries, including Turkey, Pakistan, Egypt, Sudan, and Djibouti, have signed a joint statement supporting the establishment of the maritime force. Additionally, Saudi Arabia has approached the United States and leading European countries, including the UK, France, Germany, and Italy, with a request to join the initiative.
The Saudi move follows the Houthis' announcement of a naval blockade against Saudi vessels on July 20. Recent days have seen reports of attacks on strategic oil facilities connecting eastern oil fields to the Yanbu port on the Red Sea, as well as an attack on a commercial ship.
Growing pressure on Saudi oil exports is a primary concern. The Red Sea route has become increasingly significant for Riyadh following disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. A simultaneous blocking of shipping lanes in the Red Sea and the Hormuz area could severely damage Saudi oil transport capabilities and affect the global energy market.
Meanwhile, Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman met in Washington with US Vice President J.D. Vance to discuss regional developments. Sources indicate the Saudi message was that Riyadh is not interested in full-scale escalation but is determined to protect its energy infrastructure and sovereignty.
Saudi Arabia also clarified that recent attacks against pro-Iranian militias in Iraq, carried out in coordination with the United States, were intended as a deterrent following drone attacks on the kingdom's energy infrastructure. Riyadh views these actions as a limited signal rather than an attempt to slide into a broad regional conflict.
Regarding the Yemeni arena, Prince Khalid made it clear to Washington that Saudi Arabia is capable of dealing with the Houthi threat without additional American involvement at this stage. Parallel to military preparations, direct and indirect contacts with the Houthis continue, alongside mediation efforts by Oman and Iran to reduce tensions and reopen shipping lanes.
