The Saudi-backed government of Yemen on Sunday announced a major military campaign against the Houthi militia, a key Iranian ally, plunging the Middle East even deeper into war. In a televised speech, Rashad al-Alimi, the leader of the internationally recognized government, said it was seeking to reclaim all territory lost to the Houthis over the past 12 years. The two sides have battled fiercely in recent weeks after the militia took control of the Red Sea coast, increasing pressure on shipping routes.
Mr. al-Alimi’s announcement appeared to eliminate any hope of a truce. He said military operations would continue “until the country is liberated.” The Houthis dismissed government fighters as Saudi mercenaries. Yahya Saree, a Houthi military spokesman, said fighters “will not stop carrying out further painful operations against the Saudi enemy.”
The two sides have battled since 2014, when the Houthis took over Sanaa. A truce in 2022 brought fragile peace, but conflict reignited this year after the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran in February. The Saudi government has not publicly acknowledged a role in the new offensive. Analysts say any major ground operation would likely include the Saudis.
The latest violence began in July after the Houthis accused Saudi Arabia of bombing Sanaa’s airport. The Houthis launched drone and missile attacks inside Saudi Arabia and declared a blockade on Saudi shipping in the Red Sea. Last month, they seized territory beside the Bab al-Mandab Strait and moved closer to encircling Taiz, capturing Al-Turbah.
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