Saudi Arabia is preparing for a large-scale military operation against Yemeni Houthis, which may include a naval and ground offensive. This was reported by The Guardian citing sources in Yemen, writes UNN.
Details
According to the publication's interlocutors, Riyadh is moving troops and concentrating forces for a possible offensive in central Yemen. At the same time, Saudi Arabia is working to create an international naval coalition to protect shipping in the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait after the Houthis imposed a blockade on Saudi vessels.
The Saudi Ministry of Defense reported that 14 states, including Turkey, Pakistan, Egypt, Sudan, and Djibouti, have supported the creation of a multinational naval defense coalition.
The escalation could affect Saudi oil exports
The Houthis, who control the Yemeni capital Sanaa and a significant part of the Red Sea coast, announced a blockade of Saudi vessels on July 20. At the same time, they stated they are ready to lift it if Saudi Arabia ends the blockade of Yemen.
According to The Guardian, Riyadh has also appealed to the US, Germany, France, Great Britain, and Italy to join the naval coalition. At the same time, the European Union mission Aspides is already operating in the region, ensuring the safety of shipping in the Red Sea.
The publication notes that blocking routes through the Red Sea, along with shipping problems in the Strait of Hormuz, could significantly limit Saudi oil exports. After the start of the conflict with Iran, a significant portion of the kingdom's exports were redirected to terminals on the Red Sea coast.
According to sources, Saudi forces may be preparing an offensive in the Al Bayda province, which the Houthis took control of in 2020-2021. In recent weeks, hostilities between the sides have intensified: the Houthis have stepped up attacks on Saudi Aramco's oil infrastructure, and Saudi Arabia has struck the group's facilities in the area of the port of Hodeidah.