Saudi Arabia considers backing Yemeni ground offensive to retake Houthi-held Red Sea coast

Saudi Arabia is weighing whether to back a Yemeni ground offensive to retake the Red Sea coast from the Houthis, following a Houthi missile attack on the commercial vessel Tihama in Bab-el-Mandeb that killed four crew members. The Houthis, who have held Sanaa since 2014, also struck the Aramco refinery at Jazan. Yemen's government, based in Aden, has struggled to unify rival militias backed by Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Analysts say Riyadh is preparing for a potential confrontation while keeping options open. The article also notes China's role in funding the Houthis and India's dependence on Saudi fertilizer exports.

Saudi Arabia is considering whether to support a Yemeni ground offensive to retake the Red Sea coast from the Houthis, a move that would test forces Riyadh has spent seven months assembling from rival Yemeni militias. The consideration follows a Houthi missile attack on the commercial vessel Tihama in Bab-el-Mandeb on Tuesday, killing four crew members, the first crew deaths since the American-Israeli war with Iran began in February. The Houthis, who have held Yemen's capital and north since 2014, also claimed a drone strike on the Aramco refinery at Jazan on Aug. 9. Yemen's government, based in Aden, has struggled to unify its forces, which are divided between Saudi-backed and Emirati-backed militias. Analysts say Riyadh is preparing for a potential confrontation while keeping its options open. The article also highlights China's role in funding the Houthis through oil purchases and India's dependence on Saudi fertilizer exports, which could be disrupted by continued attacks.