After weeks of escalation: Yemen declares war on the Houthis

The Yemeni government has declared military operations against the Houthis for the first time since the current escalation, following weeks of fighting that has left thousands dead. A government representative stated that security forces will begin carrying out their missions according to approved plans, noting that the decision was made after exhausting all opportunities for de-escalation. The declaration comes amid reports of Saudi Arabia's intention to launch its own offensive against the organization.

The Yemeni government announced today (Sunday) the commencement of military operations against the Houthi terrorist organization for the first time since the current escalation began. The announcement comes after weeks of fighting that has left thousands dead on both sides. A government representative stated that security forces and all military forces will begin carrying out their missions according to approved plans, and that the decision was made after exhausting all opportunities for de-escalation. The move comes days after authorities in Yemen declared general mobilization and raised military readiness. The declaration occurs against the backdrop of Houthi gains in the campaign, including the capture of the coastal strip area near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. It was also reported that Saudi Arabia is planning its own offensive against the Houthis in the coming weeks, with options being considered including an operation on the Yemeni coast to secure the shipping route in Bab el-Mandeb or an attack on multiple fronts simultaneously. According to the report, Yemeni government forces will lead the ground operation accompanied by Saudi airstrikes.