Yemen’s internationally recognised government has announced an all-out military operation to retake territory held by the Houthi group.
What Happened
Yemeni President Rashad al-Alimi delivered a televised address in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, declaring the start of military operations to ‘retake the remaining territory of the republic’ and extend state authority across the entire country.
These remarks follow an exchange of strikes between the Houthis and the Saudi-led coalition.
Key Facts
- The Houthis have seized Yemen’s entire Red Sea coast, including the Bab al-Mandab Strait, following a recent offensive.
- They cut a key supply route linking Taiz and Aden, effectively isolating Taiz from the interim capital.
- On 3 October, Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree claimed ballistic missile and drone attacks on Aramco sites in Riyadh and Khurais.
- According to AFP, the Houthis now control the area and supply route around Taiz, encircling the city.
- Yemeni government forces have launched strikes in Sanaa, Saada, and near Taiz.
- Saudi Arabia has not publicly responded to the Houthi claims of attacks on Aramco.
Background: The Conflict
The war in Yemen began in 2014 when the Houthis seized the capital, Sanaa, from the Saudi-backed government.
Following that, Saudi Arabia intervened, forming a coalition to support the internationally recognised government.
For several years, the conflict remained relatively stable, with limited large-scale fighting.
The conflict re-escalated after a Houthi offensive captured the Red Sea coastline, blocking Saudi Arabia’s alternative oil export route.
Why It Matters
The conflict directly impacts global energy supply chains.
Yemen’s Red Sea coast is a key maritime route for oil exports. Its control affects access to the Strait of Hormuz.
Any disruption could impact global oil prices and supply stability.
Moreover, the war continues to deepen humanitarian suffering in one of the world’s poorest nations.
Limitations and Open Questions
There is no confirmation from Saudi Arabia about the Houthi attacks on Aramco.
While the Houthis claim precision strikes, Saudi officials have previously dismissed such claims as exaggerated.
Security sources suggest the Houthis have made military gains, but full control of Taiz remains unconfirmed.
The scale of the new Yemeni government operation is not yet known in detail.
What to Watch Next
Key developments to monitor include:
- Further strikes by either side in the coming days.
- Official Saudi response to the Houthi claims of Aramco attacks.
- Progress in the Taiz front, where the frontline remains contested.
- Humanitarian access and conditions in conflict zones.
For more on the front-line situation in Yemen, see BBC’s report from the front-line of the war.
For deeper analysis of the Houthi movement and its regional role, see Who are the Houthis and what do they want?.
For updates on the broader regional conflict, visit Related topics on the BBC.
Sources & further reading
Featured image: Secretary Kerry Listens As Saudi Foreign Minister al-Jubeir Announces During… by U.S. Department of State from United States, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons. Image source
