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 comes after Houthi forces announced a blockade on Saudi ships and targeted oil transport sites, threatening up to 80% of Saudi crude exports that pass through the Bab al-Mandab strait. The kingdom is also rallying a multinational naval coalition to protect shipping, with 14 states including Turkey, Pakistan, Egypt, Sudan, and Djibouti supporting the initiative.

Strategic Context: The Red Sea Chokepoint

The Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab strait are critical for global oil shipments, and Saudi Arabia's reliance on this route makes it a strategic vulnerability. The Houthis, who control Yemen's capital and much of its Red Sea coastline, have leveraged this geography to pressure Riyadh. By threatening to close the strait, they aim to force Saudi Arabia to lift its blockade on Yemen, framing the conflict as a fight for Yemen's future rather than a proxy war with Iran.

Houthi Blockade and Attacks

On 20 July, the Houthis announced a blockade against Saudi ships, and on 25 July, they claimed to have hit "sensitive" oil transport sites inside Saudi Arabia linking eastern province oilfields to a Red Sea export hub. While they deny imposing tolls on all ships, the threat is clear: any disruption to Saudi oil exports could have global economic repercussions. The Houthis have stated they will lift the blockade once Saudi Arabia lifts its own blockade on Yemen, creating a stalemate that risks further escalation.

Military Preparations and Coalition Building

Saudi forces have been observed withdrawing from eastern Yemen, which analysts interpret as a precursor to a land offensive. Simultaneously, Riyadh is organizing a naval coalition to protect shipping, with the Saudi defense ministry announcing joint support from 14 states. The kingdom has also requested the US and European countries like Germany, France, the UK, and Italy to join the Red Sea coalition, though the EU's existing Aspides naval mission adds complexity to the effort.

Comparison of Naval Coalitions

Impact on Oil Exports and Global Markets

If the Red Sea route is closed to Saudi shipping, combined with the existing Hormuz strait blockade on the other side of the Arabian peninsula, the kingdom's oil exports would be severely constrained. This could spike global oil prices and disrupt supply chains. The Houthi attacks on Saudi oil transport sites underscore the direct threat to infrastructure, making the conflict a matter of economic security for the region and the world.

Key Takeaways

• Saudi Arabia is preparing both sea and land offensives against Houthis to secure oil export routes.
• The Houthis have announced a blockade and targeted Saudi oil sites, escalating tensions.
• Riyadh is building a multinational naval coalition, including 14 states, to protect shipping.
• The Red Sea chokepoint is vital for up to 80% of Saudi crude exports, making the conflict economically significant.
• The EU's Aspides mission and potential US involvement add international dimensions to the crisis.

Future Outlook and Risks

The situation remains fluid, with the Houthis denying a general blockade and Saudi Arabia weighing military options. A land offensive could reignite the Yemeni civil war, while a naval coalition may deter attacks but not resolve the underlying political impasse. The international community faces pressure to mediate, but the strategic stakes for Saudi oil exports and regional stability are high. Observers warn that any miscalculation could lead to a wider conflict involving Iran and global powers.

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