Saudi Arabia has resumed large-scale air strikes on Yemen’s Houthi rebels, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. Over 100 Saudi warplanes targeted Houthi positions on Monday, enabling Yemeni government forces to reclaim much of the Red Sea coastal territory the rebels had seized the previous month. The offensive, which ended a four-year lull in major military operations, was supported by forces aligned with the Saudi-led coalition.
The Houthi rebels, backed by Iranian military advisers, had previously occupied the area, which is strategically important due to its proximity to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Yemeni officials confirmed that government forces, including the National Shield, Giants Brigades, and Tihama Resistance, have now secured the Red Sea city of Mokha. This marks a major breakthrough in the offensive against the Iran-backed group.
The renewed attacks have raised concerns among analysts, who warn of a growing risk of direct conflict between Saudi Arabia and Iran. The Houthi rebels are expected to retaliate, potentially escalating tensions further. The situation highlights the complex regional dynamics, with Iran and Saudi Arabia indirectly influencing the conflict through their support of opposing factions.
The conflict in Yemen has been ongoing since 2015, when a Saudi-led coalition intervened to support the Yemeni government against Houthi rebels. The war has caused widespread humanitarian crises, with millions of people affected by the fighting and economic sanctions. The recent military advances by government forces, backed by Saudi Arabia, signal a shift in the balance of power, but the humanitarian impact remains severe.
