The Yemeni administration is mobilizing a massive army, with support from US military and intelligence services, to cross into the rebel-held territory with a ground operation against the Houthi Iran-backed rebels. The Houthis have stepped up attacks on the Red Sea maritime routes and bombarded Israel with missiles since the Gaza war started.
This week’s meetings between Yemen’s Saudi-based Leadership Council and differing groups have borne much fruit. President Rashad Muhammad Al-Alimi announced a “broad national alignment” and preparedness for a “battle for salvation” against the Houthis, referring to them as a lingering risk to global peace.
Some 80,000 Yemeni soldiers could be deployed to retake the strategic Red Sea port of Hodeidah, but they still outnumbered the estimated 350,000 Houthis fighters, reports the Atlantic Council’s Emily Milliken. Inequities in training and equipment between Yemeni forces, based on diverse UAE and Saudi backing, might create problems.
The US increased its airstrikes on Houthi-controlled ports such as Hodeidah and Ras Isa, where at least 80 fatalities occurred. Washington intends to dismantle the Houthis economic support channels, though the UAE and Saudi Arabia denied having a direct stake in the recent offensive.
It is thought by analysts that Iranian backing of the Houthis remains indirect and more geared toward propaganda and logistics. In contrast, American military contractors are said to be giving on-the-ground advisories to Yemeni ground troops.
Experts say even with American support, an extended campaign threatens to exacerbate Yemen’s humanitarian crisis and fracture anti-Houthi forces. Any escalation runs the risk of wider international involvement, destabilizing the entire region.
Despite difficulties, analysts confirm the current momentum presents the Yemeni government with a unique opportunity to weaken the Houthis if it moves rapidly and strategically.
