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Yemen government announces Houthi territory campaign
The government seeks to reverse Houthi gains after the group took much of Yemen’s coast.
What happened
Yemen’s internationally recognised government announced military operations intended to retake Houthi-held territory nationwide. Council chairman Rashad al-Alimi ordered armed forces, security forces and military formations to implement an approved plan. The announcement followed a Houthi offensive that captured much of Yemen’s coastline, including the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
Numbers
- 257government-reported targeting operations Saturday — Claimed by military spokesman
- at least 700government’s initial Houthi death estimate — Initial government estimate
- 2015year Saudi coalition entered war — Supporting Yemen’s recognised government
Questions
- Which areas do Houthis still hold?
- The Houthis hold Sanaa, Yemen’s capital, and their northern Saada heartland; attacks against them have spread to other areas.
- What roles could Saudi and Yemeni forces have?
- Regional and Western officials told Reuters Saudi forces were planned for air combat and Yemeni forces for ground fighting.
- Why does Bab al-Mandab matter?
- The strait is a vital shipping lane, and control of Yemen’s coastline gives the conflict regional and international significance.
- How did the 2022 truce change?
- A truce agreed in 2022 largely held until this year, when the Houthis began missile and drone attacks on Saudi shipping and oil infrastructure.
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The catch
The government’s casualty estimate and account of the operations have not been independently confirmed in the coverage.
Fighting claims remain difficult to verify.