Yemeni forces launch counteroffensive against Houthis, vow to retake Sanaa

Yemeni government forces backed by Saudi Arabia have launched coordinated military operations aimed at retaking Sanaa from Houthi control, marking an escalation in a conflict that had been relatively contained since a 2022 ceasefire agreement. Officials including Yemen's deputy defence minister announced the offensive, with ground troops, air strikes, and drone attacks concentrated across multiple provinces to pressure rebel positions. The campaign reflects a shift in tactical approach, with analysts noting that government forces have adapted to initial rebel offensives by expanding fighting across several fronts to stretch Houthi resources.

The fighting spans strategically significant territory, with particular focus on al-Jawf province—viewed as the main access route to the capital—and al-Bayda, which occupies a central location connecting eight governorates. Government forces have reported advances in these areas and along the western coast, though Houthi officials claim to have repelled major attacks and inflicted casualties on advancing troops. The conflict has already extracted a substantial humanitarian toll, with the World Health Organization documenting nearly 900 casualties in the initial four days and approximately 21,000 people displaced from Taiz province alone.

The renewed fighting follows months of relative stability but has intensified following a Houthi offensive last week targeting areas including the port city of al-Makha and the strategically vital Bab al-Mandeb Strait in the Red Sea. The waterway has gained importance to Saudi Arabia following Iranian restrictions on passage through the Strait of Hormuz. The Houthis have declared a blockade against Saudi vessels using the route, positioning the conflict within broader regional tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.

Leadership from both sides has blamed the other for choosing escalation over peace. Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council head claimed significant territorial gains and vowed continued military operations to restore state authority across the country, while Houthi representatives accused Saudi Arabia of war crimes in recent strikes and warned of retaliation. Government forces have issued civilian evacuation warnings for major roads approaching Sanaa, suggesting anticipation of intense fighting ahead.

The current violence represents the most serious breach of the 2022 truce, which diplomats had hoped would establish the foundation for lasting political settlement. However, regional complications stemming from the broader Middle Eastern conflict have complicated peace efforts, leaving Yemen's civilians caught between competing military objectives and facing mounting casualties and displacement.