Saudi Arabia prepares military operations as Houthis resume strikes on territory, shipping

Saudi Arabia is reportedly preparing military options against Yemen's Houthis after the collapse of calm along the border. On July 13, Houthis fired missiles at southern Saudi Arabia, and on July 20 they announced a maritime blockade, later claiming attacks on Saudi oil tankers. Saudi officials responded with airstrikes and formed a 14-nation maritime coalition. Analysts say evidence points to contingency planning, not a confirmed ground invasion. A possible operation might be a Saudi-enabled Yemeni offensive, with Saudi air, logistics, and special forces support, focusing on Al-Bayda, Marib, or the Red Sea coast. The goal would be coercive, not territorial.

Reports that Saudi Arabia may be preparing a military operation against Yemen's Houthis have revived fears of a return to direct ground war, but evidence currently points to contingency planning and force repositioning, not a confirmed invasion. The speculation follows the collapse of relative calm along the Saudi-Yemeni border. On July 13, the Houthis fired missiles towards southern Saudi Arabia after accusing Riyadh of striking Sanaa airport, ending about four years without cross-border exchanges. On July 20, the Houthis announced a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia and later claimed attacks on Saudi oil tankers and energy infrastructure. The Red Sea has become increasingly important for Saudi energy exports as the US-Iran war disrupts Hormuz traffic. Saudi officials have responded with airstrikes and established a 14-nation maritime defense coalition. Analysts say Riyadh appears to have little appetite for a large ground invasion. Cyril Widdershoven, senior advisor at Blue Water Strategy, said as of Aug. 2 there was no conclusive evidence of a major ground invasion, and any operation would likely be a Saudi-enabled Yemeni offensive with Saudi air, intelligence, and logistics support. Possible axes include Al-Bayda, Marib, and the Red Sea coast. Abdulghani Al-Iryani of the Sana'a Center for Strategic Studies was skeptical, saying government forces are not prepared to carry out an offensive. The purpose would be coercive, to change the military balance and force the Houthis back to negotiations.