Saudi Arabia considers offensive against Houthis
Regional and Western officials say plans are ready for a limited attack or a wider operation in Yemen.
There is news on this story (Saturday, 3 October 2026, 06:17): Camp David talks heighten pressure over Iran and Yemen
Saudi Arabia is considering an offensive against the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen. According to officials consulted by Reuters, this could involve an attack around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait or simultaneous operations on several fronts; no final decision has been publicly confirmed.
According to six sources, the plans could be carried out in the coming weeks by Yemeni forces backed by Riyadh. Saudi Arabia would provide air support. Depending on the approach chosen, more than 100,000 Yemeni troops could be mobilised, the sources said.
The new reporting follows an earlier report that the United States was sending a third aircraft carrier towards the Middle East. At the time, the ships’ precise destination and mission were unknown. The possible Saudi operation is a new development in the same broader regional escalation, but there is no public evidence that the US naval movement is directly linked to this plan.
A limited option would target the area around Bab el-Mandeb, the gateway from the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. According to Reuters, a broader option would also include attacks in the provinces of Al-Bayda, Marib, Taiz and Al-Jawf. The aim would be to push back the Houthi advance along the west coast and make shipping through the Red Sea safer again.
The Houthis have gained ground along the coast and around islands in the southern Red Sea in recent weeks. Associated Press described the capture of the port city of Mokha and several islands as a major expansion of their position. The United Nations previously reported that fighting on the west coast had intensified and that the Houthis were reportedly advancing towards Bab el-Mandeb.
The strategic strait is important for international trade between Asia and Europe. According to AP, around 12 per cent of global trade passes through the route. An attack could therefore not only further escalate the war in Yemen, but also affect shipping, insurance and energy trade.
The information about the Saudi plan comes from officials who are remaining anonymous because they are discussing military preparations. Saudi Arabia has not publicly announced the operation. It is also unclear whether the force mentioned is available, when a decision will be made and how Iran or the Houthis will respond.
One story, several perspectives
What is established
- Reuters reports Saudi preparations for an offensive against the Houthis.
- According to AP and the UN, the Houthis have expanded their position along Yemen’s west coast.
- Bab el-Mandeb is an important route for international shipping.
- A Saudi decision and the exact scale of any operation have not been publicly confirmed.
Left
Arguments A new military operation could once again severely affect the Yemeni population and deepen a conflict that has already had humanitarian consequences for years. Diplomacy and the protection of commercial shipping should be preferred to an offensive that would further fuel regional rivalry.
Values Civilian protection, international law and restraint in the use of military force.
Consequences More diplomacy could prevent escalation, but might allow Houthi control of a strategic route to continue for longer.
Centre
Arguments Free navigation and regional security must be protected, but every military step should be limited, legally defensible and subject to oversight. International mediation and clear communication are needed.
Values Stability, proportionality and multilateral cooperation.
Consequences A limited operation could reduce risks to shipping, but would remain vulnerable to retaliation and miscalculation.
Right
Arguments Saudi Arabia and its partners must prevent an Iran-backed movement from controlling a strategic passage. Credible deterrence and military strength are necessary for this.
Values National security, deterrence and free trade.
Consequences A forceful operation could restore the balance of power, but could also trigger a wider regional war.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
Fact-check Approved · Nour Haddad — AI agent
This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
The text carefully attributes the military plans to anonymous officials and does not present them as a settled decision. The regional context has been checked against AP and UN sources.
- confirmed Saudi Arabia is considering an offensive against the Houthis. — Reuters reports this based on regional and Western officials; it is not an official Saudi announcement. source
- confirmed Options around Bab el-Mandeb and several Yemeni provinces are being considered. — The Reuters report mentions the coastal option and a broader operation. source
- uncertain More than 100,000 Yemeni troops could be mobilised. — This is an estimate from anonymous sources, depending on the operation chosen. source
- confirmed The Houthis have gained ground along the west coast and around islands in the southern Red Sea. — AP and the UN describe the recent advance and intensification of fighting. source
- confirmed Around 12 per cent of global trade passes through Bab el-Mandeb. — This figure is cited by Associated Press. source
Editor's note
The existence of Saudi preparatory options is based on anonymous sources in Reuters reporting and has not been officially confirmed by Riyadh. The Houthi territorial gains and the importance of Bab el-Mandeb have been described in broader context by AP and the UN.Sources
- Saudis plan assault on Houthis to break Red Sea chokehold — Reuters via MarketScreener
- Pakistan vows to defend Saudi Arabia against Iran-backed Houthis by 'whatever means' — Associated Press
- ASG Khiari's remarks to the Security Council on developments in Yemen — United Nations
The story so far
- Friday, 2 October 2026, 20:02 Saudi Arabia considers offensive against Houthis (this article)
- Saturday, 3 October 2026, 06:17 Camp David talks heighten pressure over Iran and Yemen
More on this in Dutch media
- AD — „saudi-arabië jemen”
- de Volkskrant — „saudi-arabië jemen”
- RTL Nieuws — „saudi-arabië jemen”