Saudi Arabia Prepares Counteroffensive Against Yemen's Houthis to Retake Bab el-Mandeb Strait | WPN World People News

According to a report by Reuters, Saudi Arabia is preparing to launch a new round of military operations against Houthi rebels in Yemen, with one of the primary goals being to retake the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and restore maritime security in the Red Sea. The scale of the operation could involve over 100,000 Yemeni ground troops. Citing multiple sources familiar with the matter, the report stated that the campaign could be launched within the coming weeks, with ground fighting conducted primarily by Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces while Saudi Arabia provides air support.

The report noted that Saudi Arabia is currently considering two offensive plans. One focuses on the area surrounding the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, advancing along Yemen's Red Sea coast to regain control of this critical shipping lane. The other is broader in scope, launching further offensives into more inland areas such as Al-Bayda, Marib, Taiz, and Al-Jawf. Sources said the specific scale of mobilization still depends on which plan Saudi Arabia adopts, with the deployed Yemeni ground forces potentially exceeding 100,000 troops at most.

Accounts vary widely regarding when the military action might begin. Some anticipate operations within a week, while others believe they could be delayed until after the U.S. midterm elections in November. Michael Ratney, former U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, suggested that the new offensive would likely be more limited in scope and smaller than the 2015 Saudi-led military campaign. The operation would likely focus on recapturing coastal regions to restore normal maritime traffic.

In addition, the United States is providing military advisors and intelligence support to Saudi Arabia, including targeting intelligence for Saudi air operations. However, the U.S. has no plans to participate directly in ground combat.

Meanwhile, multiple parties have not abandoned diplomatic negotiations. Pakistan's Foreign Minister stated that Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan will hold a meeting in the near future to discuss diplomatic options for engaging the Houthi rebels.

The Bab el-Mandeb Strait serves as a vital gateway to the Red Sea, an essential shipping route to the Suez Canal, and a major conduit for Saudi oil exports. This year, following the outbreak of the U.S.–Iran war and the resulting severe disruptions to Persian Gulf shipping, the strategic significance of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait has surged even further. In September, the Houthis advanced rapidly along Yemen's Red Sea coastline and seized control of the strait. Riyadh views continued Houthi control over the Bab el-Mandeb Strait as a direct threat to its oil exports and economic lifeline.