Saudi Arabia prepares military offensive against Houthi forces in Yemen

Saudi Arabia is preparing a large military operation against Houthi forces in Yemen. The plan may include naval forces and ground troops, focused on al-Bayda, a region in central Yemen that Houthi fighters took control of in 2020 and 2021.

Saudi forces have recently pulled back from eastern Yemen, which military analysts believe is preparation for a land attack further west. Saudi Arabia is also trying to build a naval coalition to protect ships in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab strait.

The escalation follows a Houthi announcement in July 2026 of a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia. Houthi fighters have attacked commercial ships linked to Saudi Arabia, and the Saudi-led coalition has responded with airstrikes. Saudi officials have not confirmed the timing or scale of any planned operation.