Saudi-led coalition launches air campaign against Houthis in Yemen

A Saudi-led coalition announced on Monday that a broad air campaign involving 100 fighter jets is underway against Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. The operation, dubbed ‘Dawn of Yemen,’ aims to support Yemen’s internationally recognized government and has reportedly secured the strategic Bab al-Mandab strait.

• Coalition claims 100 fighter jets engaged in ‘Operation Dawn of Yemen’.
• Strategic Bab al-Mandab strait secured, hundreds of Houthi targets destroyed.
• Yemeni government forces launch ground offensive on eastern flank.
• Houthis deny retreat, point to attacks on Saudi oil facilities.

Operation Dawn of Yemen Details

The Saudi coalition spokesperson, Maj Gen Turki al-Maliki, stated that the 100 fighter jets are providing crucial support to government forces. The operation is designed to push back against recent Houthi advances along the Red Sea coastline and in the capital, Sana’a.

• Operation aims to counter Houthi advances along the Red Sea and in Sana’a.
• Coalition claims hundreds of Houthi fighters besieged in Dhubab district.
• Some Houthi fighters reportedly fleeing across the Red Sea by boat.
• Government forces claim to have cut the road between Mocha and Dhubab.

Ground Offensive Launched

Southern Yemen forces, known as the Giants Brigades and allied with the government, initiated a ground offensive on Monday. This offensive targets the eastern flank of coastal areas recently seized by the Houthis.

1. Giants Brigades launched ground offensive on Monday.
2. Offensive targets eastern flank of Houthi-controlled coastal areas.
3. Government forces claim to have cut the road between Mocha and Dhubab.
4. Reports suggest Houthi forces are deserting the city of Mocha.

Strategic Importance of Bab al-Mandab

The coalition asserts that the ‘air protection’ of the Bab al-Mandab strait has been secured. This vital waterway is a critical chokepoint for global shipping, and its control has been a key objective for both sides in the ongoing conflict.

• Bab al-Mandab strait is a crucial global shipping lane.
• Securing the strait is a major strategic objective for the coalition.
• Houthi control of the strait has been a concern for international trade.

Houthi Response and Counterclaims

Houthi sources have denied reports of a retreat. They highlighted recent explosions at a Saudi Aramco plant in Riyadh as evidence of their continued capability to strike strategic targets within Saudi Arabia, potentially impacting the global economy.

Attacks on Saudi Oil Facilities

The Houthi denial of retreat was accompanied by a reminder of their capacity to inflict damage. The explosions at the Saudi Aramco plant underscore the broader implications of the conflict for global energy security.

• Houthi sources deny claims of retreat.
• Point to attacks on Saudi Aramco plant in Riyadh as a show of force.
• Such attacks highlight risks to global oil supplies and the world economy.

Government Promises Decisive Phase

The president of the Saudi-backed government, Rashad al-Alimi, had previously pledged a new offensive, stating that patience with the Houthis had expired. He declared Sunday that the nation was entering a ‘decisive phase’ in its history.

1. President Rashad al-Alimi promised a new offensive.
2. Stated that patience with the Houthis had run out.
3. Declared the commencement of a ‘decisive phase’ in Yemen’s history.

Airstrikes Reported in Key Cities

Airstrikes were also reported on Monday in Sana’a and the northern Houthi stronghold of Saada. The coalition stated that command and control centers, camps, and weapons depots were among the targeted locations.

• Airstrikes hit Sana’a and Saada on Monday.
• Targets included command and control centers, camps, and weapons depots.
• Houthis captured Sana’a in 2014 and have advanced down the west coast recently.

Conclusion

The Saudi-led coalition’s launch of ‘Operation Dawn of Yemen’ marks a significant escalation in the protracted conflict. With 100 fighter jets reportedly engaged and ground offensives underway, the coalition aims to regain strategic territory and push back against Houthi advances, particularly around the vital Bab al-Mandab strait.

The Houthis, however, deny any retreat and have responded by highlighting their continued ability to strike targets within Saudi Arabia, underscoring the potential for wider regional instability and global economic impact.

The coming days will be critical in determining the effectiveness of this new offensive and its impact on the trajectory of the war. International observers will be closely monitoring developments, particularly concerning civilian safety and the security of maritime trade routes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the name of the current air campaign?

The current air campaign is named ‘Operation Dawn of Yemen’ by the Saudi-led coalition.

Which strategic waterway is reportedly secured?

The strategic Bab al-Mandab strait is reportedly secured by the coalition’s air campaign.

What is the Houthi response to the offensive?

Houthi sources deny retreating and point to attacks on Saudi oil facilities.

Who is leading the ground offensive?

Southern Yemen forces known as the Giants Brigades are leading the ground offensive.

What is the significance of the Bab al-Mandab strait?

It is a vital chokepoint for global shipping and a critical objective in the conflict.