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Saudis Plan Offensive to Regain Control of Bab el-Mandeb Strait
Confirmed
In Short: The Saudi-led coalition is planning an assault on Houthi forces in Yemen to regain control of the Bab el-Mandeb strait, a strategic waterway in the Red Sea.
The Saudi-led coalition is planning an assault on Houthi forces in Yemen to regain control of the Bab el-Mandeb strait, a strategic waterway in the Red Sea. The plan, according to Gulf and Yemeni officials and Western diplomats, is a response to the rapid advances made by the Houthis last month.
A truce agreed in 2022 largely held until this year, when the Houthis launched missile and drone attacks on Saudi shipping and oil infrastructure, spillover from the ongoing conflict with Iran.
The Saudi offensive could take two forms: a focused attack on the Bab el-Mandeb area or a broader campaign involving multiple fronts around Yemen, including the governorates of Al-Bayda, Marib, Taiz, and Al-Jawf.
Riyadh believes it cannot enter new peace negotiations with the Houthis while they control Bab el-Mandeb, as this gives the rebels significant global leverage.
Saudi Arabia entered Yemen’s civil war in 2015 to support the internationally recognized government, which the Houthis had forced out of the capital Sanaa.
What's confirmed
- The Saudi-led coalition is planning an assault on Houthi forces in Yemen to regain control of the Bab el-Mandeb strait, a strategic waterway in the Red Sea. The plan, according to Gulf and Yemeni officials and Western diplomats, is a response to the rapid advances made by the Houthis last month.
- A truce agreed in 2022 largely held until this year, when the Houthis launched missile and drone attacks on Saudi shipping and oil infrastructure, spillover from the ongoing conflict with Iran.
- The Saudi offensive could take two forms: a focused attack on the Bab el-Mandeb area or a broader campaign involving multiple fronts around Yemen, including the governorates of Al-Bayda, Marib, Taiz, and Al-Jawf.
- Riyadh believes it cannot enter new peace negotiations with the Houthis while they control Bab el-Mandeb, as this gives the rebels significant global leverage.
- Saudi Arabia entered Yemen’s civil war in 2015 to support the internationally recognized government, which the Houthis had forced out of the capital Sanaa.
What's still developing
- Nothing material beyond the confirmed record.