Saudi-led coalition to give air support to Yemeni government forces
The move follows recent ground gains by Yemeni forces near Dhubab and comes after a string of intercepted Houthi strikes on Saudi territory
Published
The Saudi-led coalition said it will provide air support to Yemeni government forces, continuing a pattern in place since early September in which coalition strikes have accompanied, rather than reversed, Houthi advances through Al-Jawf, Mokha and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
The announcement follows recent ground gains by Yemeni forces near Dhubab, where government troops have regained some territory. That makes the air support read as backing for an existing push rather than a new escalation.
The coalition has intercepted Houthi attacks on Saudi soil several times in recent days. On Friday it intercepted three missiles aimed at Khamis Mushait, with fragments causing limited damage and no casualties. On Thursday it intercepted a ballistic missile and drones over the same area, with debris damaging buildings and vehicles. The UK Maritime Trade Operations reported multiple explosions on Sunday 60 nautical miles south of Al Mukha, in waters the Houthis have controlled since early September.
Those intercepts have repeatedly failed to stop Houthi attacks on Saudi territory or infrastructure, and the underlying risk premium tied to shipping and energy supply through the region remains where it was before today's announcement.