Saudi Arabia Plans Offensive to Retake Bab el-Mandeb
Saudi Arabia is preparing a major military offensive against the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen, with plans focused on retaking the Bab el-Mandeb strait and restoring security along one of the world’s most important shipping routes.
Saudi Arabia Plans Offensive Against Houthis
The operation could be launched within weeks and is expected to rely primarily on Yemeni ground forces backed by Saudi airstrikes.
More than 100,000 Yemeni troops could be mobilised depending on the scale of the operation. Riyadh is considering either a concentrated coastal assault around Bab el-Mandeb or a wider multi-front campaign across Al-Bayda, Marib, Taiz and Al-Jawf.
Saudi Arabia is seeking to reverse recent Houthi territorial gains along Yemen’s Red Sea coast.
Bab el-Mandeb Becomes Key Red Sea Battleground
The Bab el-Mandeb strait is the southern gateway to the Red Sea and a vital shipping route linking Asia with the Mediterranean.
Its strategic importance has increased further amid disruption in the Strait of Hormuz. Saudi officials reportedly believe negotiations with the Houthis cannot resume while the group controls Bab el-Mandeb and retains substantial leverage over global shipping.
US, Pakistan and Turkey Support Saudi Operations
The United States is providing intelligence and military advisers, including targeting support for Saudi air operations, but is not expected to participate directly in combat.
Pakistan has supplied air-defence systems, artillery, drones and anti-drone equipment while deploying advisers alongside Saudi forces. Turkish drones are also being used.
Riyadh remains concerned about retaliatory Houthi missile and drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities and other critical infrastructure.
