Saudi Arabia Considers Major Offensive Against Houthis to Retake Bab el-Mandeb

Saudi Arabia is preparing for a possible major military offensive against Houthi forces in Yemen, with Riyadh considering operations aimed at regaining control of territory around the strategically important Bab el-Mandeb Strait, according to regional and Western officials cited by Reuters. 

The plans are still under discussion. Officials are considering either a focused operation along Yemen's Red Sea coast or a broader assault involving several fronts.

Bab el-Mandeb at the Centre of the Plans

The Bab el-Mandeb Strait connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and is a critical route for international shipping between Europe and Asia.

Reuters reported that Houthi forces recently expanded their control along the Red Sea coast, including areas around the strategic waterway. Saudi Arabia's possible operation is intended to reverse those gains and improve security for shipping through the region. 

The renewed military planning comes amid wider instability in the Middle East and continuing disruption to major maritime routes.

Yemeni Forces Would Lead the Ground Operation

According to six people familiar with the preparations, the ground offensive would be led primarily by Yemeni forces overseen by Riyadh, with Saudi Arabia providing air support. 

The scale of the operation has not been finalized. Officials are reportedly discussing both a limited coastal campaign and a larger multi-front offensive.

Some reports say more than 100,000 Yemeni troops could potentially be mobilised, depending on the final scope of the operation. That figure represents a possible mobilisation rather than a confirmed deployment. 

US and Other Allies

The United States is providing intelligence support to Saudi operations in Yemen, according to the officials cited by Reuters, but US forces are not currently expected to participate directly in combat operations. 

Other regional and European countries are also providing mainly defensive military assistance to Saudi Arabia rather than committing forces to the proposed offensive.

Rising Attacks Increase Pressure

The possible operation comes after a renewed escalation between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis.

The Saudi-led coalition has accused the Houthis of launching missile and drone attacks against Saudi territory and critical infrastructure. The Houthis have also made their own claims about attacks in the region.

On Friday, the Saudi-led coalition said it intercepted and destroyed three ballistic missiles launched toward Khamis Mushait in southern Saudi Arabia. 

Separately, the coalition accused the Houthis of attacking a power distribution station in Medina. Houthi authorities denied targeting the city's holy sites. 

Saudi Arabia's Previous Yemen Campaign

Saudi Arabia entered Yemen's civil war in 2015, leading an Arab coalition that supported Yemen's internationally recognised government after the Houthis took control of the capital, Sanaa.

A truce reached in 2022 substantially reduced fighting for several years, although the conflict never received a permanent political settlement. Reuters reports that fighting and attacks have intensified again during the current regional crisis. 

Why the Strait Matters

Any major fighting around Bab el-Mandeb could have consequences beyond Yemen.

The waterway is an important passage for commercial shipping, and disruption could increase shipping costs and force vessels to take longer routes around Africa. It could also add pressure to global energy and commodity markets.

A Saudi-backed operation would therefore carry both military and economic implications for the wider Red Sea region.

What Happens Next?

Saudi officials have not publicly announced a final decision to launch the offensive. The options reported by Reuters remain under consideration, and the timing and scale of any operation could change.

The key questions are whether Riyadh proceeds with a limited coastal campaign or a wider offensive, how Yemeni forces are organised, and whether the Houthis respond with attacks against Saudi territory or regional shipping.

TVR Perspective

The reported preparations mark a significant development in the Yemen conflict, but a military operation has not yet been formally announced. The most immediate concern is whether fighting around Bab el-Mandeb expands enough to threaten one of the world's important maritime trade routes.

Sources & Verification

TVR verified the latest developments using Reuters reporting based on interviews with regional and Western officials, alongside reporting on the Saudi-led coalition's recent claims and Houthi responses. The reported offensive remains a plan under consideration rather than a confirmed military operation. 

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