Saudis plan assault on Houthis to break Red Sea chokehold - Reuters

Saudi Arabia is preparing a military operation aimed at the Iran‑backed Houthi movement in Yemen, according to officials familiar with the planning. The initiative is intended to address the Houthi‑led disruptions to commercial shipping in the Red Sea, which have intensified since the start of the conflict in the region.

The Saudi leadership is weighing several possible courses of action. One option under consideration involves a coastal offensive designed to secure key points along the Red Sea shoreline, thereby reopening the vital maritime corridor for international trade. Another scenario contemplates a broader, multi‑front assault that would target Houthi positions across multiple axes, potentially extending beyond the coastal zone.

Regional and Western officials involved in the discussions have highlighted the strategic importance of the Red Sea route, which carries a significant share of global oil and container traffic. The Houthi attacks on vessels have prompted concerns about the safety of navigation and the broader impact on global supply chains.

While the exact timing and scale of the operation have not been disclosed, the planning phase is reportedly advanced, with Saudi military planners coordinating with allied partners. The decision on which approach to adopt will depend on assessments of operational feasibility, potential collateral effects, and the anticipated response from the Houthi forces.

The prospective Saudi offensive follows a period of heightened tension in the Gulf region, as the Houthi rebels have increased missile and drone strikes against shipping. The outcome of the planned assault could have significant implications for the security of the Red Sea corridor and the broader dynamics of the Yemen conflict.