Archive · 3 Oct 2026
Saudi and Yemeni Forces Plan Offensive Against Houthis
Saudi Arabia and forces from Yemen’s government are preparing to fight the Houthis.
They want to push the Houthis away from an important coast near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.
The strait is used by ships carrying goods and oil.
Saudi Arabia plans to provide air support for the operation.
The United States says it will not join the fighting with airstrikes for now.
It is still helping Saudi Arabia with information and plans about targets.
The Houthis say Saudi forces have already carried out many airstrikes in areas they control.
US officials say the American position could change if the operation has problems.
Saudi Arabia and forces loyal to Yemen’s government are preparing an offensive against the Houthis, according to two US officials.
The reported operation is expected within days and aims to push Houthi forces away from the Red Sea coast near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.
Saudi Arabia plans to provide air cover, while the United States has declined to carry out airstrikes for now.
A US official said the US military has provided Saudi Arabia with intelligence and targeting data, including more than 200 Houthi targets over two weeks.
The Houthis said Saudi forces conducted 94 airstrikes in areas under their control over the previous 24 hours.
- Who
- Saudi Arabia, forces loyal to Yemen’s internationally recognised government, and the Houthis; the United States is providing support but says it will not join with airstrikes for now.
- What
- Saudi Arabia and Yemeni government forces are preparing a reported offensive to push Houthi forces away from the Red Sea coast near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.
- When
- The operation is expected within days; Saudi leadership reportedly approved plans several days ago.
- Where
- The southern Red Sea coast of Yemen near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.
- Why
- The operation aims to push back Houthi forces from areas near the strait, which is important for global trade and Saudi oil exports.
- Reported operation
- A large-scale Saudi and Yemeni government forces offensive is being prepared.
- Expected timing
- Within days, according to the report.
- Target area
- Red Sea coast near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.
- Saudi role
- Saudi air cover is planned for forces loyal to Yemen’s internationally recognised government.
- US position
- The United States is not planning to take direct military action for now.
- US assistance
- A US official said the military provided Saudi Arabia with more than 200 Houthi targets over the previous two weeks.
- Houthi claim
- The Houthis said Saudi forces carried out 94 airstrikes in areas under their control over 24 hours.