Yemen's Government Launches Major Military Operation Against Houthis

Yemen's internationally recognized government announced on October 4 a large-scale military operation aimed at retaking areas controlled by the Houthis, marking a significant escalation in the country's decade-long conflict. Rashad al-Alimi, chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council and commander-in-chief of the armed forces, announced the campaign in a televised address from Riyadh, stating that the government was moving "from the preparation phase to the action phase" after weeks of military mobilization.

Al-Alimi said the decision came after exhausting peaceful settlement options, accusing the Houthis of using periods of de-escalation to mobilize fighters, involve minors in combat, attack refugee camps, and expand aggression against civilians, neighboring countries, and international shipping routes. He ordered all branches of Yemen's armed forces to begin operations and urged residents in Houthi-controlled areas—including Sanaa, Hodeidah, and Saada—to avoid military positions and supply routes, emphasizing that civilians were not targets. Al-Alimi also offered amnesty to Houthi fighters who lay down their weapons and pledged that government forces would abide by law and protect civilians, with no revenge or retribution.

The offensive announcement coincided with fresh Houthi territorial advances in southwestern Taiz province, where the group captured positions in Ash Shamayatayn and Al-Ma'afer districts on October 4. The Houthis, described by the government as a "terrorist militia" and characterized by some sources as Iran-backed, have controlled much of northern Yemen since late 2014, triggering Saudi-led coalition intervention in March 2015 supporting the internationally recognized government. Recent weeks have seen escalating cross-border tensions, with the Houthis claiming Saturday attacks on Saudi energy infrastructure and Saudi Arabia conducting intensified airstrikes across Houthi-held territories.

The Yemeni government has also tasked officials with drafting a program for restoring state institutions in territories to be recaptured, including resuming civil servant salaries, rebuilding infrastructure, and creating conditions for refugee returns. The operation represents the most significant military push by government forces in recent months, following Houthi gains including the capture of the port city of Mokha and territories along the Bab al-Mandeb Strait in September 2026.