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Yemen government announces major military operation to retake Houthi territory
Overview
Yemen's Saudi-backed government has announced a major military operation to retake territory from the Iran-backed Houthis following an exchange of strikes between the Houthis and the Saudi-led coalition. President Rashad al-Alimi stated that operations have begun to extend state authority across the country, amid intense fighting around the key city of Taiz and Houthi attacks on Saudi oil facilities.
Key points
- Yemeni President Rashad al-Alimi announced the start of military operations to retake remaining Houthi-held territory.
- The announcement follows an exchange of strikes, including Houthi drone and missile attacks targeting Saudi oil company Aramco sites.
- Fighting has intensified around the key city of Taiz, where Houthi forces have cut a vital supply route linking Taiz with Aden.
- The conflict reignited in July amid a wider Middle East escalation, following years of relative calm after the war originally erupted in 2014.