Saudi Arabia considers backing Yemeni ground offensive to retake Houthi-held Red Sea coast
For three years, Saudi Arabia has sought to contain the Houthis while avoiding a return to full-scale war. What happens next turns on what Riyadh decides.
Saudi Arabia is considering supporting a Yemeni ground campaign aimed at reclaiming the Red Sea coast from Houthi forces. The recent ballistic missile attacks on commercial vessels, including the Tihama, have resulted in the death of four crew members, marking the first such loss since the American and Israeli war with Iran began in February.
The Houthis, an Iran-backed movement that controls Yemen's capital and northern regions, also hold the Red Sea coast bordering Saudi Arabia. The kingdom's Aramco refinery in Jazan, of which Yanbu ships approximately 4 million barrels of crude daily, has been targeted. Yemen's Transport Ministry reported three missiles striking the Tihama, leaving six dead and 10 wounded, while the coast guard claimed a toll of six dead and 10 wounded, including two Yemeni rescue personnel.
The Saudi daily Al-Watan reported three casualties. The Houthis have not claimed responsibility for the attacks. The coastal region's strategic importance is emphasized by Mohammad Qubaty, a former Yemeni tourism and mass media minister who is now acting chairman of the Southern Civil Democratic Rally. Saudi Arabia is reportedly keeping its options open and strengthening its position in anticipation of a potential confrontation with the Houthis.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
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