Saudi Arabia Prepares Major Offensive Against Houthis, Up to 100,000 Yemeni Troops May Join

Saudi Arabia is preparing to launch a major military offensive against Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. The operation could begin within weeks, according to multiple regional sources who spoke to Reuters.

The sources said the campaign could target Houthi-held areas along Yemen’s Red Sea coast, with coordinated attacks potentially launched across several fronts. Around 100,000 Yemeni ground troops could take part in the operation, they said.

Yemeni forces backed and operated by Saudi Arabia would lead the ground offensive, while Saudi forces would conduct airstrikes. The United States is already providing Saudi Arabia with intelligence support, according to the regional sources. Some Arab and European countries are also providing defensive military assistance.

The sources said none of Saudi Arabia’s allies is expected to participate directly in the offensive.

The conflict in Yemen escalated in 2014 after the Houthis seized Sanaa and other areas. Saudi Arabia intervened in 2015 in support of the internationally recognized Yemeni government. A UN-brokered Saudi-Houthi truce was reached in 2022 but lasted until around the middle of this year.

Tensions have risen again after the Houthis captured several areas along the Red Sea and took control of the key port city of Mocha. The planned Saudi offensive is expected to focus on pushing Houthi fighters out of these recently captured areas.