- On Wednesday, the Houthis claimed responsibility for missile and drone attacks on ships in the Red Sea, which the rebels said had defied their blockade on the kingdom’s ports.
- Clashes between Houthi fighters and Yemeni government-affiliated forces erupted on a front line in the southwestern governorate of Dhale, causing more than 30 casualties on both sides.
- The past few days have seen a mobilisation of Yemen’s Houthi forces in areas under their control with a full resumption of all-out war a real possibility after four years of quasi-peace.
The Houthis have escalated military actions against Saudi Arabia, claiming responsibility for missile and drone attacks on vessels in the Red Sea.
Clashes in Dhale have resulted in over 30 casualties as the group mobilizes forces, raising fears of a renewed all-out war in Yemen after four years of relative calm.
Ahmed Nagi, a senior Yemen analyst at the International Crisis Group, noted that greater cohesion within the Yemeni government could shift the war's momentum away from the Houthis.
Saudi Arabia is enhancing its role, collaborating with various anti-Houthi factions, while the emergence of an anti-Houthi tribal alliance in al-Jawf poses a significant threat to the rebels.
Yazeed al-Jeddawy, research manager at the Sanaa Center for Strategic Studies, warned that sustained Houthi threats against Saudi-linked vessels could provoke a stronger response this time.
The Houthis maintain a formidable force, with over 200,000 fighters and the potential to mobilize tens of thousands more loyalists.
The unity of military forces supporting the Yemeni government and growing international concern over Red Sea security have bolstered anti-Houthi positions, indicating a precarious situation in the region.
“The Houthis have mobilised forces in their controlled areas, indicating a potential return to full-scale conflict after four years of relative peace. Recent clashes in Dhale resulted in over 30 casualties, while the Houthis claimed missile and drone attacks on ships defying their blockade in the Red Sea.”
