Saudi Arabia prepares to respond to Houthi escalation in Yemen

The Saudi-led coalition has announced its readiness to respond firmly to the Houthi escalation in Yemen. According to AFP, allied forces do not intend to remain idle while rebels attack government troops. Strikes on Marib and Hadramawt killed 17 soldiers, and shelling of Najran wounded 11 civilians. The coalition does not seek escalation but will not allow a shift in the balance of power. The Houthis have intensified activity amid the 2022 ceasefire, which is now under threat.

The Saudi-led coalition, which has supported Yemen's official authorities since 2015, has announced its readiness to respond firmly to the increased Houthi attacks. As reported by AFP, citing an anonymous source in the kingdom's military circles, allied forces do not intend to take a passive stance while the enemy tries to push back Yemeni government troops. The agency's interlocutor stressed that the allies are not interested in sparking a new round of conflict but will decisively suppress any attempts to disrupt the existing balance of power. The insider directly stated the position: "The coalition does not seek escalation, but we will not allow a change in the current balance of power on the ground." The Houthis have intensified their military operations: drone and ballistic missile strikes on the provinces of Marib and Hadramawt have killed at least 17 soldiers. Shelling of the border area of Najran wounded 11 civilians. According to The New York Times, these actions threaten the 2022 ceasefire. Analysts link the escalation to alliance commitments to Iran and internal goals: the fight for Hadramawt's oil fields, maintaining control over Marib, and pressure on Riyadh. A Houthi spokesman called the events a forced reaction to "Saudi Arabia's military preparations," while Yemen's defense ministry, together with the coalition, announced retaliatory steps.