Yemen: Saudi-Backed Army Launches 133 Operations Against Houthis in 24 Hours

The threat of a wider war in the Middle East is escalating. The internationally recognised Yemeni government and the Saudi-backed Yemeni army have stepped up efforts to completely dismantle the Houthi group, Iran's key ally in the region.

Citing an official statement issued by the Yemeni army, Al Jazeera reported that the army carried out 133 military operations against Houthi fighters in the last 24 hours. Rocket launchers, artillery and drones were used during these operations.

Houthis retaliate

The Yemeni army openly stated that the objective of these attacks was clear — to weaken the Houthis' capabilities and their fighters under all circumstances. Following these attacks, the Houthis carried out retaliatory action of their own, after which Yemen's National Defence Council held a meeting on Monday.

The meeting reviewed the situation on the ground, where the Houthi group's ballistic missile and drone attacks targeted displacement camps. Several civilians were killed.

Order to intensify attacks

The Yemeni army said that many women and children lost their lives. During the meeting, the council praised the army for foiling several attacks and inflicting heavy losses on the Houthis.

The council has now ordered an expansion of air and missile strikes, stating that further painful retaliatory action would be taken. Instructions were also given to swiftly assess the damage and to look after the families of the injured and those killed.

Hopes for peace under threat

The Houthi group has controlled the capital Sanaa and large parts of northern Yemen since 2014. It has stepped up cross-border attacks on Saudi Arabia and targeted ships in the Red Sea.

United Nations-led efforts had been under way to reach a ceasefire, with some calm restored and hopes rising for talks. However, with violence now escalating, this fragile peace is at risk of collapsing, and the decade-old conflict could flare up once again.

The Yemeni army claims to have dealt a major blow to the Houthis, while Houthi attacks continue to claim civilian lives. Displaced families, already struggling, now face further hardship from the fresh attacks. The Defence Council has made clear that no leniency will be shown in its response.