Yemen Government Launches Offensive

Yemen’s internationally recognized, Saudi-backed government announced a major campaign to retake Houthi-held territory and restore state authority. Yemen’s military said it struck targets in Houthi-held Sanaa and Saada, while the Saudi-led coalition reported attacks on Houthi forces around Taiz. The Houthis have controlled Sanaa and large parts of Yemen since 2014, and last month seized the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a vital shipping route. President Rashad al-Alimi said the campaign followed failed de-escalation efforts and continued Houthi threats. The Houthis said they attacked Saudi Aramco sites after more than 50 Saudi-led strikes; the coalition called the Riyadh claim misleading. It remains unclear how far government forces will advance.