Yemen's Government Launches Operation to Retake Territory from Houthis

Yemen’s government has initiated an operation aimed at reclaiming territory currently held by the Houthis, with the goal of restoring full control over the country. The Iran-backed Houthi rebel group, also known as Ansar Allah, has made notable territorial advancements in the past month, capturing significant areas along the Red Sea coast. In response to the evolving situation, representatives from Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Pakistan convened to discuss the developments in Yemen. In August, these nations signed a joint defense pact, which is now being tested amid the ongoing conflict. Analysts are examining the regional dynamics and questioning whether the counteroffensive by Yemen’s internationally recognized government will yield tangible results on the ground. Key figures providing insights include Abdulaziz AlGhashian, a Senior non-resident fellow at the Gulf International Forum; Sama’a Al Hamdani, an independent political analyst focusing on Yemen and the GCC; and Timothy Lenderking, the former US special envoy for Yemen and former deputy assistant secretary of state for Arabian Peninsula affairs.