Officials said more than 100,000 Yemeni troops could potentially be mobilised depending on the scale of the operation.

Saudi Arabia is planning a military offensive against the Houthis in Yemen to regain control of the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait, with options including a coastal assault or a broader multi-front operation, according to regional and Western officials cited by Reuters.

The operation could begin within weeks and would reportedly be led by Yemeni forces under Saudi oversight, with support from Saudi air strikes. Six people familiar with the preparations provided details to Reuters on condition of anonymity.

The reported plans come after the Houthis made rapid gains along Yemen’s Red Sea coast and tightened their grip on areas around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a key maritime route linking the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden.

Saudi Arabia Considers Two Options in Yemen

According to Gulf and Yemeni officials, Saudi Arabia is considering two main approaches.

The first would be a more limited operation focused on the area around Bab el-Mandeb, aimed at restoring control over the coastal route.

The second would involve a wider offensive with coordinated attacks on several fronts, including the Yemeni governorates of Al-Bayda, Marib, Taiz and Al-Jawf.

Officials said more than 100,000 Yemeni troops could potentially be mobilised depending on the scale of the operation.

The exact timing remains unclear, with estimates from sources ranging from within days to after the US midterm elections in early November.

Bab el-Mandeb Becomes Key Saudi Objective

The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is one of the world’s most important shipping corridors, connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and providing a major maritime link between Europe and Asia.

The waterway has gained additional importance amid disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Reuters previously reported that Houthi advances along the Red Sea coast and their reach toward Perim Island had increased concerns over shipping and energy supplies.

Western diplomats and a Gulf official told Reuters that Riyadh believes it would be difficult to enter new peace negotiations with the Houthis while the group maintains control around Bab el-Mandeb.

Former US ambassador to Saudi Arabia Michael Ratney said he expected any operation to be relatively limited, potentially focusing on retaking coastal areas and restoring maritime traffic.

US Provides Intelligence Support

The United States is reportedly providing intelligence to support Saudi operations in Yemen, while several regional and European countries are providing mainly defensive military assistance.

The officials cited by Reuters said Saudi allies are not expected to participate directly in combat operations.

Reuters also reported that US President Donald Trump had previously rejected requests from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for direct US military support, including air strikes.

Saudi Arabia is also seeking assistance to protect its oil facilities and other critical infrastructure from potential Houthi missile and drone attacks.

France has announced plans to send defensive systems and troops to Saudi Arabia to help protect the Red Sea port city of Yanbu.

Yemeni Forces Face Major Challenges

A major challenge for any Saudi-backed ground offensive will be the fragmented nature of anti-Houthi forces inside Yemen.

The forces include various Yemeni factions that were previously armed and trained by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates during the country’s long-running civil war.

Yemen analyst Mohammed Albasha told Reuters that many anti-Houthi forces were not sufficiently organised or prepared for the sustained offensive required to push back the Houthi forces.

The factions were further divided after southern fighters backed by the UAE attempted to seize territory in eastern Yemen last winter and announced plans for secession. Saudi-backed forces subsequently defeated them following a series of clashes.

Saudi political analyst Ali Shihabi said the outcome of any offensive would depend heavily on the performance of the local ground forces.

Saudi-Houthi Conflict Enters New Phase

Saudi Arabia intervened in Yemen’s civil war in 2015 at the head of an Arab coalition supporting the internationally recognised government after the Houthis seized control of the capital, Sanaa.

A truce between the warring parties agreed in 2022 largely held for several years. However, the conflict has escalated again amid the wider regional confrontation, with Houthi attacks affecting Saudi interests and maritime routes.

The reported Saudi plans come as regional tensions remain high and the Houthis maintain a strategic position near one of the world’s major shipping chokepoints.

At the same time, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye are preparing an emergency meeting of the Makkah Defence Pact members in Riyadh to discuss the escalating Houthi threat and possible political engagement.

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