Saudi Arabia is preparing a major military operation against Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. According to Reuters, the operation could start in the next few weeks, citing regional and Western officials.
The operation will include Saudi-backed Yemeni ground forces in front and provide Saudi air support.
One of the goals of Saudi Arabia’s plan is to restore control of the Bab al-Mandev Strait and secure important waterways in the Red Sea. Riyadh is considering two possible options. One is a limited number of coastal operations around Bab al-Mandev. The other is a series of large-scale operations in Yemen, including al-Baida, Marib, Taiz and Al-Jawf.
According to officials, more than one lakh Yemeni troops could be deployed depending on the extent of the operation. Reuters sought comments from the Saudi and Yemen governments as well as the Houthi group and U.S. military authorities, but there was no immediate comment.
The U.S. is providing intelligence to Saudi Arabia in the planned operation, officials said. Some regional and European countries are also providing protective military assistance to Saudi Arabia. However, Reuters reported that the allies would not take part in the direct combat operation.
Fighting between Houthi and Saudi-backed government forces in Yemen has intensified in recent days. Yemen’s government forces have called for hundreds of military operations against the Houthis in recent days. However, the number of casualties and casualties was not independently verified.
On the other hand, tensions have risen over the Houthis attack on Saudi territory. Earlier, Saudi authorities reported missile and drone attacks by the Houthis, and Saudi-led forces launched a counter-operation. As a result, the launch of a new Saudi military operation has raised fears that the situation in Yemen and the Red Sea security situation will be further complicated.