Saudi Arabia prepares possible naval and ground operation against Houthi forces
Saudi officials are planning a naval and potentially ground campaign to counter Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping routes, while seeking broader international support.
Saudi Arabia is planning a naval operation, and possibly a ground incursion, aimed at curbing Houthi attacks that have disrupted shipping through the Bab al-Mandab Strait. The kingdom has withdrawn forces from eastern Yemen, a move analysts say could precede a larger deployment in the south of the country. Saudi officials have also formed a maritime coalition with twelve other nations to safeguard navigation in the strait, which is a key conduit for the country's oil exports.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reportedly urged the United States to refrain from striking Iran, citing concerns about further escalation. The Saudi defence minister, Prince Khalid bin Salman, met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and President Trump to discuss the planned response to the Houthi threat.
The coalition’s joint statement emphasized a commitment to maintaining freedom of navigation in Bab al-Mandab, and Saudi officials have called on the United States and European countries to join the effort. The moves come as the Red Sea has grown in importance for Saudi oil shipments after restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz forced a shift in export routes.