Saudi Arabia is preparing a major attack against the Houthis

Saudi Arabia is preparing for a major offensive against the Houthis

Saudi Arabia plans to launch a large-scale military operation against the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen in the coming weeks. The main goal is to push the rebels out of the strategically important Bab al-Mandab Strait. Reuters reported this on October 2, citing Gulf officials and Western diplomats.

According to sources, the offensive will be carried out by Yemeni forces controlled by Riyadh. Saudi aviation will provide them with air support. Depending on the chosen scale, more than 100,000 Yemeni military personnel could be involved. Direct participation of Saudi Arabia's allies in the hostilities is not expected.

- A narrow strike in the Bab al-Mandab Strait area.

- A large-scale offensive conducted simultaneously on several fronts — in the provinces of Al-Bayda, Marib, Taiz, and Al-Jawf.

The Saudi side stated that as long as the strait is under Houthi control, they do not intend to return to peace talks with them.

The Bab al-Mandab Strait is one of the world's main shipping lanes. A large portion of container shipping and about 9 percent of seaborne oil transit passes through this route. After the situation in the Strait of Hormuz became more complicated, Saudi Arabia began to use the Red Sea route more actively for oil exports. Houthi control has already led to a sharp decline in traffic flow, increased insurance premiums, and the rerouting of ships around Africa.

The conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis has been ongoing since 2014-2015. The relative calm that began in 2022 was sharply disrupted in July 2026. The Houthis resumed shelling Saudi Arabian territory and went on the offensive on the western coast of Yemen. By mid-September, they had established themselves at key points, including the Mocha district and Perim Island, effectively establishing control over the southern entrance to the Red Sea.