Saudi Arabia is gearing up for a significant military campaign against Houthi rebels in Yemen, aiming to reinforce its influence in the region. Sources from regional and Western governments reveal that this operation is likely to commence in the coming weeks, with specific preparations already underway.
Details of the Planned Offensive
Reports suggest that Yemeni forces will spearhead the ground assault under Saudi coordination. The operation includes plans for supporting airstrikes carried out by Saudi Arabia to bolster the ground troops. Central to the objectives of this campaign is to reclaim control over the Bab el-Mandeb strait, a pivotal maritime route. The Houthis have rapidly expanded their territory along the coast, necessitating urgent military response from Saudi Arabia to reverse their gains.
In planning the offensive, Saudi Arabia is contemplating two primary strategies. One option targets a coastal operation surrounding Bab el-Mandeb, while the other considers a broader multi-faceted attack involving simultaneous strikes across several provinces, including al-Bayda, Ma’rib, Taiz, and al-Jawf. Reports indicate that over 100,000 Yemeni soldiers could be mobilized, depending on the operation’s scale.
Military Support and Expectations
The United States is reportedly providing intelligence to aid Saudi operations in Yemen, while other regional and European allies are supplying mainly defensive military support. However, these allies are not expected to engage directly in combat. Michael Ratney, a former U.S. ambassador to Saudi Arabia, believes the upcoming attack will be more focused and contained than the extensive campaign launched in 2015.
Ratney emphasized that the ideal scenario for Saudi Arabia would be a limited operation to reclaim coastal areas and restore safe navigation in maritime traffic. Nevertheless, no confirmed date has been ascertained for the operation’s commencement, with estimates ranging from within a week to after the upcoming U.S. midterm elections in early November.
Focus on Diplomacy Amid Military Preparation
Amidst these military preparations, regional diplomacy is also in play. Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has announced an emergency meeting of Co-Security Treaty members in Riyadh to address the evolving situation and reaffirm alliances. The meeting will also consider an Iranian proposal focused on fostering political engagement with the Houthis as Saudi Arabia ramps up military readiness.
Reports indicate that as diplomatic dialogues unfold, the Meccan Defense Alliance has intercepted ballistic missiles targeting areas like Khamis Mushait. Meanwhile, the Houthi military spokesperson claimed that Saudi Arabia conducted an extensive number of air and missile strikes within a mere 24-hour span, indicating a significant escalation in military activity. The Houthis assert that Saudi operations have increasingly targeted civilian infrastructure in various provinces, particularly emphasizing the controversial nature of these military strategies.
As tensions heighten, the future of the region remains uncertain, with potential implications for international safety and regional stability hinging on the outcome of these military and diplomatic efforts. The focus on both military action and high-stakes diplomatic conversations underscores the complexity of the situation, reflecting the intricate balance of power dynamics at play in the ongoing conflict in Yemen.