RIYADH, October 2, 2026: Saudi Arabia is considering a new military offensive against Houthi forces in Yemen, according to regional and Western officials cited by Reuters.
The operation could begin within weeks. Yemeni forces would lead the ground campaign, supported by Saudi airstrikes, according to six people familiar with the preparations.
The main objective would be to reverse recent Houthi gains along Yemen’s Red Sea coast. Riyadh also wants to regain control of areas around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a key maritime route between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
Two Military Options Under Consideration
Saudi officials are considering two possible approaches, according to Gulf and Yemeni officials cited by Reuters.
The first would focus on areas around Bab el-Mandeb. The second would involve coordinated attacks across Al-Bayda, Marib, Taiz and Al-Jawf.
More than 100,000 Yemeni troops could be mobilised, depending on the scale of the operation, the officials said. The timing remains uncertain. Estimates range from within weeks to after the US midterm elections in November.
US Provides Intelligence Support
The United States is providing intelligence and military advisers to support Saudi operations, according to a Western diplomat cited by Reuters.
The assistance includes information used for targeting. However, Saudi allies are not expected to participate directly in combat operations, according to the report.
Pakistan and Türkiye have also provided military support to Saudi Arabia.
According to Pakistani officials cited by Reuters, Islamabad recently sent four cargo aircraft carrying air-defence systems, light artillery, drones and counter-drone equipment to Aden.
Pakistani military advisers are also working with their Saudi counterparts to support Yemeni forces, according to Pakistani and Western officials.
A Pakistani official said between 30,000 and 40,000 Pakistani troops are deployed in Saudi Arabia to help protect the kingdom’s borders and support the interception of drones and missiles.
The official said Pakistan has not decided to send troops into Yemen for combat operations.
France has also announced plans to provide defensive systems and troops to Saudi Arabia. The support is intended to help protect the Red Sea port city of Yanbu.
Bab el-Mandeb Remains Central
The Bab el-Mandeb Strait connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. It forms part of a major shipping route between Europe and Asia.
Houthi forces have recently advanced along Yemen’s Red Sea coast and gained positions near the strait. Reuters reported that the group also reached strategic islands at the mouth of the waterway.
Saudi officials believe the territorial changes have increased the security threat to the kingdom and maritime traffic.
Michael Ratney, a former US ambassador to Saudi Arabia, told Reuters he expected any Saudi operation to remain relatively limited. He said the focus could be on retaking coastal areas and restoring maritime traffic.
Yemen analyst Mohammed Albasha said the campaign would face challenges because anti-Houthi forces remain divided.
Saudi political analyst Ali Shihabi said the outcome would depend heavily on the performance of local Yemeni forces.
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye Plan Talks
The military preparations come as Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye prepare for an emergency meeting in Riyadh.
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said the meeting would discuss Houthi attacks and a possible political engagement with the group. He said Iran had suggested a political approach to the conflict.
Dar said the Iranian proposal was not a formal written offer. The three countries will consider it as part of discussions on how to address the escalating situation.
Saudi Arabia has been involved in Yemen’s conflict since 2015. Riyadh led an Arab coalition supporting Yemen’s internationally recognised government after Houthi forces seized control of Sanaa.
The latest escalation has raised renewed concerns over Yemen’s conflict and the security of one of the world’s key maritime routes.
