Yemen Declares Military Campaign to Reclaim Territory from Houthi Rebels

Sun Oct 04 2026 21:56:25 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Saudi‑backed Yemen launches offensive to retake key cities after Houthi advance that threatens oil routes.

The Yemeni government, backed by Saudi Arabia, has launched a major military operation to drive Iran‑backed Houthi fighters from key cities, including Taiz and Sanaa. President Rashad al‑Alimi announced the offensive amid a flurry of air and missile strikes that the Houthis said were retaliation for recent coalition attacks. The campaign comes after September’s Houthi seizure of Yemen’s Red Sea coast, which disrupted the Bab al‑Mandab Strait and raised fears for global oil flows. The escalating conflict also features Houthi attacks on Saudi oil facilities, further inflaming regional tensions.

Yemen Declares Military Campaign to Reclaim Territory from Houthi Rebels

The Yemeni government, backed by Saudi Arabia, has declared a major offensive to retake key cities from Iran‑backed Houthi fighters. The announcement follows a series of air and missile strikes that the Houthis said were retaliation for recent coalition attacks.

President Rashad al‑Alimi stated that the operation aims to re‑establish control over the nation’s remaining territory and protect vital coastal assets, including the Bab al‑Mandab Strait whose blockage could cripple global oil shipments.

The Houthis seized Yemen’s entire Red Sea coast in September, threatening international shipping lanes and launching attacks on Saudi oil facilities such as Aramco. This move has intensified regional tensions and raised concerns about a broader conflict that could impact world markets.

The new military push focuses on Taiz, a strategic city still under government control, and extends to Sanaa and the northern Saada region, where the rebels maintain a strong presence.

Both sides report ongoing clashes, with the Saudi‑led coalition conducting strikes on Houthi positions. The war, which began in 2014, continues to leave Yemen in a dire humanitarian crisis while jeopardizing regional security.