Yemeni Presidential Council head Rashad al-Alimi announced the launch of a major military operation on Sunday aimed at seizing all territory currently held by the Iran-backed Houthi militant group. The offensive follows a period of intense aerial activity, with Houthi-controlled armed forces reporting that Saudi Arabia conducted 106 air and missile strikes across the country, including the capital Sanaa, within the previous 24 hours.
President Al-Alimi Aims to Retake Remaining Republic Territory
The operation marks a significant escalation in the Yemeni conflict, which has seen renewed hostilities since August.
Houthis Strike Saudi Energy Facilities and Seize Bab El-Mandeb Strait
The Houthis have maintained significant momentum on the ground despite the government’s preparations. In recent weeks, the group seized the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a vital shipping lane connecting the Mediterranean to Asia, following a collapse of government forces along the Red Sea coast, The Times of Israel noted. Military sources reported that in the last 48 hours, the Houthis have advanced on strategic hilltops near Taiz, threatening the final road link between that city and Aden, the base of the Saudi-backed government. Much of the recent fighting has concentrated on Taiz, Yemen’s third-largest city, as the Houthis attempt to isolate government forces stationed there.
Conflict Causes 377,000 Deaths Since 2015
The current surge in violence follows a period of relative stability provided by a 2022 UN-brokered truce, which largely held until this year. The conflict, which began in March 2015, has resulted in an estimated 377,000 deaths from both direct combat and indirect factors like hunger and disease, according to United Nations data cited by CNN.
The Saudi foreign ministry has stated that its recent military involvement does not represent an effort to create a sectarian bloc or a permanent military axis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in this conflict?
The strait is a critical maritime passage for international shipping between the Mediterranean and Asia. Its seizure by the Houthis has heightened concerns regarding the safety of global trade routes, especially as the Strait of Hormuz has faced disruptions due to the broader conflict involving Iran, according to The Times of Israel.
What is the current status of the Strategic and Political Defense Committee? Established in August, this committee is a NATO-style defense pact aimed at organizing regional military and security cooperation.
How has the humanitarian situation changed since the 2022 truce? Prior to this, the UN reported that 150,000 people had died directly from the armed conflict, with thousands more succumbing to the resulting humanitarian crisis, according to CNN.
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