Saudi Arabia is gearing up for a major military operation against Houthi forces in Yemen, with the aim of reclaiming control of key areas around Bab el-Mandeb, a strategic passage on the Red Sea. According to sources cited by Reuters, over 100,000 Yemeni fighters could be mobilized for the operation, which would be supported by Saudi airpower and US intelligence. The planned operation marks a significant escalation in the Yemeni conflict.
The operation is expected to be launched in the coming weeks, with two possible scenarios being considered by Riyadh. The first option involves a targeted operation around Bab el-Mandeb to regain control of the strategic passage. The second, more extensive scenario would involve coordinated offensives on multiple fronts, including the governorates of Al-Bayda, Marib, Taïz, and Al-Jawf. The scope of the operation will determine the number of fighters deployed.
The US is providing support to Saudi Arabia, but not directly participating in combat operations. According to Reuters, Washington is providing military advisers and intelligence, including targeting information, to support Saudi air operations in Yemen. Other countries, including Turkey and Pakistan, are providing military equipment used by Riyadh, while France is set to deploy defensive systems and troops to Saudi Arabia to protect Yanbu on the Red Sea.
The Bab el-Mandeb passage is a critical waterway, serving as the southern gateway to the Red Sea and a major shipping route between Asia, the Mediterranean, and the Suez Canal. The Houthi advance around the strait and capture of Perim on September 11 raised concerns about the security of this vital route. A Saudi-led operation to retake control of the area could have significant implications for regional and global shipping.
The planned operation has raised concerns about the potential humanitarian impact on civilians caught in the conflict. Yemen has been embroiled in a devastating civil war since 2015, with widespread humanitarian suffering and infrastructure damage. The international community has called for a peaceful resolution to the conflict, but efforts to date have had limited success.
The timing of the operation remains uncertain, with possible launch dates ranging from within the next week to after the US midterm elections in early November. The involvement of multiple countries and the complexity of the conflict make it challenging to predict the outcome of the planned operation. Regional and international stakeholders will be closely watching developments in Yemen.
The Yemeni conflict has become a multifaceted crisis, with humanitarian, economic, and security dimensions. The planned Saudi-led operation will likely have far-reaching consequences for the country, the region, and the global community. As the situation unfolds, it is essential to monitor developments and assess the potential impact on the conflict and its various stakeholders.
Key points
- Over 100,000 Yemeni fighters could be mobilized for the operation.
- The US is providing intelligence and military advisers to support Saudi air operations in Yemen.
- The operation aims to regain control of strategic areas around Bab el-Mandeb, a critical passage on the Red Sea.
