Saudi Arabia is preparing for a major military operation to retake the Bab al-Mandab Strait and Yemen’s Red Sea coast from Iran-backed Houthi rebels. According to a Reuters report, more than 100,000 Yemeni fighters could be deployed for this operation, depending on the situation.
Reuters reports that the operation could begin within the next few weeks. Yemeni forces will lead the offensive, with Saudi Arabia providing air support.
The immediate objective of the operation is reportedly to halt the Houthis’ recent advances and regain control of the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
However, a major challenge for Saudi Arabia is the lack of unity among pro-government forces in Yemen. Although these forces are backed by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, they are divided by political and regional disputes.
The United States is assisting Saudi Arabia with intelligence, military advice, and target identification. However, Reuters reports that Washington has declined requests to participate directly in airstrikes in Yemen.
Pakistan and Turkey are also providing military equipment and defensive support to Saudi Arabia. Yet, Pakistan has not decided to send combat troops to fight directly in Yemen. Military officials from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey have recently met in Riyadh to discuss the situation.
According to analysts, Saudi Arabia’s immediate goal is not to capture all of Yemen, but rather to restore control over the Red Sea coastal areas and the vital Bab al-Mandab shipping lane, thereby normalizing international maritime traffic.
