Yemen’s Ruling Government Declares Full‑Scale Offense Against Houthi Forces
In a solemn televised speech from Saudi Arabia, President Rashad al‑Alimi announced that Yemen’s internationally recognised government would launch an all‑out war to reclaim every tract of land seized by the Iran‑backed Houthis.
Al‑Alimi’s declaration followed a flare‑up of aerial strikes: the Houthis blamed the Saudi‑led coalition for 50 air attacks in 12 hours on Aramco facilities, and in turn the coalition struck back on Houthi positions across the country. The Battle for Yemen’s coastline intensifies as the Houthis control the entire Red Sea coast, cutting off Saudi access to alternative oil export routes.
The president noted that major cities such as Taiz and Sanaa are focal points of the conflict, with the government’s forces now aimed at isolating the Houthi base in Taiz by cutting supply routes to Aden. While the Houthis claim to have held some territory, security sources confirm they have made gains near Taiz and continue to press from the north.
Saudi Arabia, the principal backer of Yemen’s government, has remained largely silent on the escalating attacks but has openly condemned violent incursions on Aramco sites as “imaginary victories.” It has responded with increased air strikes, reportedly wounding at least two Houthi fighters.
The new offensive raises alarms about potential spill‑over into the Gulf, endangering maritime commerce in the Bab al‑Mandab Strait and impacting global oil supply chains. Meanwhile, Yemen’s humanitarian crisis—already dire—looks set to deepen with larger-scale hostilities.
