Saudi Arabia Prepares Sea and Land Offensive Against Houthis 2026

Saudi Arabia is preparing a major military offensive against the Houthis by sea and possibly by land in central Yemen, according to Yemeni sources, aiming to break the chokehold on its oil exports through the southern Red Sea. This escalation marks a critical juncture in the ongoing Yemeni conflict, with potential global energy market implications.

Saudi Military Movements and Naval Coalition

Saudi forces have been observed withdrawing from eastern Yemen, a move that analysts interpret as preparation for a land offensive. Simultaneously, Riyadh is organizing a naval coalition to protect shipping from Houthi attacks in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab strait. The Saudi defense ministry announced that 14 states, including Turkey, Pakistan, Egypt, Sudan, and Djibouti, have issued a joint statement supporting a multinational maritime defense coalition.

This coalition aims to counter the Houthi blockade announced on July 20, which targets Saudi ships. The Houthis, who control Yemen's capital Sana'a and much of its Red Sea coastline, deny plans to impose tolls on all ships but insist they will lift the blockade only if Saudi Arabia lifts its own blockade on Yemen. The dispute is framed as a battle over Yemen's future, not directly about Iran, though Iran-aligned Houthis receive Tehran's backing.

Red Sea Shipping and Oil Export Risks

The Red Sea route is vital for Saudi oil exports, with up to 80% of crude previously shipped through the Strait of Hormuz on the other side of the Arabian peninsula. If the Red Sea is closed to Saudi shipping, the kingdom's oil exports would be severely constrained, impacting global markets. Houthi forces claimed on July 25 to have hit "sensitive" oil transport sites inside Saudi Arabia, linking eastern province oilfields to a Red Sea export hub.

Riyadh has also requested the US and European countries including Germany, France, the UK, and Italy to join the Red Sea coalition. The EU already operates a naval protection mission, Aspides, in the region, but it remains unclear if the Houthis are mounting a general blockade or one directed solely at Saudi Arabia.

Comparison of Naval Coalitions and Missions

Key Takeaways

• Saudi Arabia is preparing a sea and possible land offensive against Houthis in Yemen.
• Naval coalition of 14 states is being formed to protect Red Sea shipping.
• Houthi blockade threatens up to 80% of Saudi crude exports if combined with Hormuz closure.
• International support includes US and European nations, but EU mission already exists.
• Escalation could disrupt global oil supplies and regional stability.

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