Yemen Strikes Houthis in Sanaa and Saada as Fighting Resumes

Yemen’s armed forces started strikes against Iran-aligned Houthis in the capital, Sanaa, and the northern stronghold of Saada early Sunday, as hostilities between the two sides resumed after a period of relative peace. The military, which is affiliated with Yemen’s internationally recognised government, stated that it was targeting vital sites but did not provide any information about the operation.

A military spokeswoman confirmed the strikes, identifying the locations as “vital targets”. The statement came as tensions in Yemen remained high, with the battle between the Houthis and government-backed forces exacerbated by broader regional confrontations involving Iran, the United States, and Saudi Arabia.

Yemen Strikes Houthis in Sanaa and Saada

The Yemeni military stated its soldiers were conducting operations against Houthi sites in Sanaa and Saada. Officials did not, however, name the precise locations attacked, nor did they provide details on potential casualties, damage, or the outcome of the strikes.

Earlier on Sunday, the Houthi-run Al Masirah TV reported an attack on Sanaa, which it blamed on Saudi Arabia. Saudi authorities did not immediately acknowledge the claimed operation, raising questions about the attack’s details and the soldiers involved.

The current military assault underlines a renewed conflict between Yemen’s internationally recognised government and the Houthis, who control vast portions of the country, including the capital. The two sides had largely stopped serious fighting after a truce in 2022, but the situation has altered as hostilities have expanded throughout the region.

The latest confrontations have sparked new fears about Yemen’s stability, since years of conflict have divided the country and left different forces vying for control of key areas.

Saudi Arabia Responds as Houthi Attacks Escalate

Fighting between the Houthis and Saudi-backed forces has escalated this year. The new escalation came after the Houthis announced a naval blockade of Saudi Arabia in July, as well as attacks on Saudi territory and shipping.

The Houthis have also achieved major territory gains along Yemen’s Red Sea coast. Their advances have increased the strain on Saudi-backed government forces, who are striving to halt further Houthi growth and retake control of contested areas.

Saudi Arabia has responded with air attacks within Yemen, as well as support for government-aligned forces fighting the Houthis. The recent developments demonstrate how the conflict has progressed beyond the relative calm that followed the 2022 truce.

The Houthis, supported by Iran, have also been embroiled in the larger regional battle. Their military efforts have heightened tensions in an already complex situation involving regional states and international interests.

Yemen Conflict Enters Another Uncertain Phase

The resumed violence follows many years in which the 2022 truce helped decrease large-scale clashes between the Houthis and forces loyal to Yemen’s internationally recognised government. The agreement provided a period of relative stability, but it did not resolve the underlying political and territorial conflicts.

The recent escalation, which includes attacks by Saudi Arabia and the Houthi movement, has put that fragile calm under more strain. The Houthis’ activities against Saudi territory and commerce, as well as their territorial advances, have helped to restore military operations.

Yemen’s armed forces have not revealed additional information on the new strikes or stated how long the operation will last. There was also no instant confirmation of the alleged Saudi attack on Sanaa.

The situation remains unstable, as government-aligned forces continue to fight the Houthis. Further events will be determined by the scale of military operations and whether the new skirmishes spark a larger escalation in Yemen.