Yemeni government says campaign to retake Sana'a from Houthis has begun

Yemeni government forces have launched a counteroffensive against the Houthi terror group on several fronts, with senior officials describing the campaign as an effort to retake Sana'a after years of relative military stalemate. Deputy Defense Minister Maj. Gen. Samir al-Sabri said on official Yemeni television that the decision to liberate Sana'a has been finalized and taken decisively, adding that government forces were advancing on several fronts. Government officials say the current campaign has brought advances in the governorates of Al-Jawf, Al-Bayda, Taiz, and Al-Hudaydah. Those claims have not been independently verified in full, though recent reporting has confirmed intensified fighting in Al-Jawf and Al-Bayda. The renewed fighting has coincided with Houthi missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia. Saudi authorities said Houthi attacks on Sept. 8 struck sites in Abha, Jazan, Najran, and Khamis Mushait, injuring 73 people and causing fires and operational disruptions at energy facilities. The article quotes military analysts who discuss changing tactics, including cutting supply lines and using drones. The US Embassy in Yemen said the Houthis started the conflict and must bear the consequences. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said the Houthis have opened a Pandora's box for themselves.