Full Breakdown
Yemen Government Launches All-Out Offensive to Reclaim Houthi-Held Territory
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Core Event: Nationwide Counteroffensive Announced
On Sunday, Rashad al-Alimi, chairman of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council, declared a “major military campaign” to retake all areas held by the Iran-backed Houthi movement. Government spokespeople announced the recapture of Dhubab district on the Red Sea coast and the launch of a “strategic” offensive toward the Houthi-held capital, Sanaa.
Background & Context
The Houthis seized Sanaa in 2014 and have held most of north-west Yemen, prompting a Saudi-led coalition intervention in 2015. A UN-brokered truce in 2022 collapsed in July 2024 after the Houthis captured roughly 150 km of Red Sea coastline and the Bab al-Mandeb strait, a key global shipping route. Saudi Arabia has reaffirmed its commitment to support the internationally recognised government.
Data & Statistics
- Government forces reported 1,747 Houthi fighters “neutralised” in 1,122 operations across Saada, al-Jawf, Taiz and the western coast.
- 364 military and logistical vehicles were destroyed or disabled.
- Up to 100,000 ground troops and pro-government militia are expected to take part, backed by Saudi air support.
Official Statements & Responses
- Majed Abdullah al-Nuzaili, military spokesman, said the operations target artillery, rocket positions, supply lines, reinforcements and command centres using warplanes, drones, artillery, missiles and snipers.
- Turki al-Maliki, coalition spokesman, pledged continued Saudi support, stating the kingdom has an “inherent right” to defend its sovereignty and will keep pressuring the Houthis to end threats to Red Sea shipping.
On-the-Ground Reports
- Yemen bureau chief Saeed Thabet reported Houthi guerrilla tactics around Taiz aim to ease pressure on the coastal front and tighten the blockade of the road to Aden.
- A police source told AFP that Houthi forces seized the al-Safiya area, cutting the main road linking Taiz with Aden.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- The government announced the recapture of Dhubab, yet Houthi officials denied any loss.
- Figures for Houthi casualties and destroyed equipment “could not be independently verified,” according to the military spokesman.
Why It Matters / Impact
Control of the Bab al-Mandeb strait affects oil and cargo flow between the Mediterranean and Asia. Disruption threatens global energy markets and raises maritime insurance costs. The intensified fighting has displaced more than 100,000 people since the July truce collapse, with the World Food Programme reporting three-quarters of families in affected areas facing acute hunger.
Verbatim Quotes
- “They've achieved the military objective of isolating Taiz from Aden, even if they haven't fully taken control of it,” — Farea Al-Muslimi