Yemeni gov’t forces aim for Sanaa, but Houthi defeat will be a challenge

Yemeni government forces have launched a strategic military offensive aiming toward the capital city of Sanaa, claiming recent strategic advances near the Bab al-Mandeb strait. The Saudi-backed forces announced the major anti-Houthi operation on Monday as part of their campaign to reclaim territory.

Since capturing the capital and vast regions of the northwest—where the majority of the population resides—the Iran-aligned Houthi movement has maintained firm control over these areas. Defeating the entrenched Houthi forces and recapturing Sanaa presents a significant and ongoing challenge for the advancing government coalition.