Story perspectives

Yemen’s forces launch counteroffensive as Houthis strike Saudi cities

9/9/2026

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Yemen Counteroffensive

In September 2026, Yemeni government forces launched a multi-front counteroffensive against Houthi rebels, while the Houthis struck Saudi cities with missiles and drones.
Yemeni officials said the offensive aims to retake the capital Sana’a and restore state institutions.
Houthi spokesperson Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree labeled the Saudi attacks aggression and warned of more strikes.
The International Organization for Migration reported about 18,500 people displaced in Taiz and Hodeidah provinces.

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Yemeni Forces Counteroffensive

In early September 2026, Yemen’s government forces began a multi-front counteroffensive against Houthi rebels, while the Houthis launched missile and drone attacks on Saudi cities.
Analysts warned the renewed fighting could become a protracted conflict, deepening civilian hardship and undermining prospects for a swift resolution.
The fighting displaced roughly 1,800 families in Taiz province.
Yemeni officials said they recaptured the Hais district south of Hodeidah, a key transport link.

History

Historical Context

In May 1994 President Ali Abdullah Saleh’s forces retook Aden, ending a three-month civil war that the UN said killed about 5,000 combatants and displaced more than 200,000 civilians. The 2026 multi-front counteroffensive, led by the internationally recognized government against Houthi rebels, has sparked missile strikes on Saudi cities and forced thousands to flee, echoing the same regional entanglement that began in the 1990s.

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Yemen Counteroffensive

In September 2026, Yemeni government forces launched a multi-front counteroffensive against Houthi rebels, while the Houthis struck Saudi cities with missiles and drones.
Yemeni officials said the offensive aims to retake the capital Sana’a and restore state institutions.
Houthi spokesperson Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree labeled the Saudi attacks aggression and warned of more strikes.
The International Organization for Migration reported about 18,500 people displaced in Taiz and Hodeidah provinces.

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