The Yemeni military announced on Saturday that it had carried out 71 precision strikes against Houthi militant gatherings, mobilizations, and reinforcements in various areas of Taiz province. The operations targeted Houthi positions in Al-Aqroud, Samer, Al-Ahkum, Al-Akbush, Jabal Rasn, Jabal Jardad, Bani Omar, Bani Bakari, Al-Ka'awsh, and Al-Athawr. The military stated that the operations resulted in the destruction of several transportation and support means, neutralization of Houthi elements, and rendering Houthi formations incapable of continuing to fight.
The Yemeni military's operations in Taiz aim to weaken Houthi capabilities and protect the region from militant activities. According to the military spokesperson, Colonel Majiid Al-Nazili, the armed forces will continue to perform their duties, ensuring that Taiz remains resilient against Houthi aggression. The region has been a focal point of conflict, with the Houthis attempting to expand their control. However, the Yemeni military's efforts have been successful in thwarting these attempts.
In a related development, Saudi Arabia is reportedly planning a major military operation against Houthi rebels, in coordination with the Yemeni government. According to sources, the operation aims to push Houthi forces away from the Red Sea coast, which they control, and secure access to the Bab al-Mandab Strait. The strait is a critical waterway for global trade and energy supplies.
The planned operation will involve ground forces loyal to the internationally recognized Yemeni government, supported by Saudi air power. US officials have stated that the US has declined to participate directly in the operation, but is providing intelligence and targeting data to Saudi Arabia. The US has supplied data on over 200 Houthi targets in recent weeks, which have been used in Saudi airstrikes.
The Saudi military operation is expected to be a significant escalation in the conflict, which has seen increased fighting between Saudi Arabia and Houthi rebels in recent weeks. The Houthis have launched several missile and drone attacks on Saudi targets, prompting retaliatory airstrikes. The conflict has raised concerns about the potential for wider regional instability.
The US has provided support to Saudi Arabia in various areas, including intelligence and targeting data, but has declined to participate directly in combat operations. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) has expressed reservations about further military action in Yemen, citing concerns about diverting attention from Iran.
The conflict in Yemen has significant strategic implications, particularly with regard to the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a critical waterway for global trade and energy supplies. The strait's importance has been highlighted by the recent tensions between Saudi Arabia and Houthi rebels, which have raised concerns about the potential for wider conflict in the region.
Key points
- The Yemeni military has carried out 71 precision strikes against Houthi targets in Taiz province.
- Saudi Arabia is planning a major military operation against Houthi rebels, in coordination with the Yemeni government.
- The US has provided intelligence and targeting data to Saudi Arabia, but declined to participate directly in combat operations.
