Yemeni Forces Launch Major Offensive to Recapture Capital Sanaa from Houths
Yemeni government forces have launched a comprehensive military offensive aimed at recapturing the capital, Sanaa, from Houthi control and countering Iranian threats to the Bab el-Mandeb strait.
A senior official in the Yemeni government's Interior Ministry, Haitham al-Jaradi, stated on Wednesday that the primary goal of the current military offensive is to recapture the capital, Sanaa, which serves as the most important stronghold of the Houthi movement.
Al-Jaradi warned that the Iranian regime aims to seize control of the strategic Bab el-Mandeb strait by utilizing the Shia-Zaidi terror movement. Over the weekend, the Houthis attacked the strategic port city of Al-Mukha in western Yemen in an attempt to advance southward toward areas adjacent to the strait, which is considered the gateway to the Red Sea. Nevertheless, government forces halted their advance through targeted airstrikes.
Government Advance on Multiple Fronts
According to military sources in Yemen, government forces have advanced in several provinces over recent days while engaging in fierce battles against the Houthis. Advances were reported in the provinces of Al-Jawf in the northeast, Marib in the south, and Al-Hodeidah in the west. The operational map indicates that government forces are systematically moving to encircle Sanaa from multiple directions.
Furthermore, government troops have reportedly gained control of several military camps. A Yemeni official told the Saudi-owned Al-Hadath channel that government forces successfully outflanked Houthi positions. Dozens of Houthi fighters were reportedly casualties in the clashes, while government forces secured the Al-Aqd al-Ramli area in Marib Province alongside several other strategic points.
Meanwhile, the Houthis published photographs of burned vehicles and aircraft that they claimed belonged to government forces attempting to advance in Al-Jawf Province. The Houthis also claimed to have killed soldiers of the Saudi-backed coalition forces and captured several prisoners. In recent days, the Houthis have launched attacks targeting energy infrastructure in southern Saudi Arabia.
Comprehensive Military Campaign to Oust Houthis
During an interview with the Qatari-owned Al-Araby channel, al-Jaradi emphasized that a decisive resolution has been made to liberate Sanaa.
«A decision has been made to liberate the capital, Sanaa. The military operation was initially intended as a deterrent but has evolved into a comprehensive campaign. The objective is to liberate the capital from Houthi terror,»
stated al-Jaradi. The Yemeni official clarified that the airstrikes against the Houthis are conducted by Yemeni government warplanes rather than Saudi aircraft, as claimed by the insurgent movement. However, he acknowledged that Saudi Arabia provides vital military assistance to government forces.
Al-Jaradi explained that the offensive began in response to a major escalation by the Houthis, who violated the temporary ceasefire agreement. The Presidential Leadership Council previously pursued diplomatic avenues, but the Houthi militia rejected all peace initiatives and chose continuous military escalation, utilizing the truce periods to expand their military capabilities and perpetrate further violence.
