Yemen’s government is on the attack against the Houthis. What has changed?

What the report says

Yemen’s internationally recognised government has launched Operation Dawn of Yemen, saying it wants to restore state authority and reverse recent Houthi gains. According to Al Jazeera, the offensive began on the southern Red Sea coast and aims first to regain territory around the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, where the Houthis made advances last month. The broader objective remains far larger: pushing the group out of areas it has controlled since 2014, including the capital, Sanaa.

The report says the government’s effort appears more coordinated than earlier attempts, with Saudi Arabia providing heavier air support and the United States supplying intelligence assistance. Al Jazeera cited a Saudi-led coalition statement saying 100 fighter jets took part in the operation, and noted that the government also reported fighting in Taiz, Marib and al-Jawf. Analysts quoted by the outlet said improved coordination between air power, ground forces and command structures may be a key reason for the shift in momentum.

Another important factor is the role of the Giants Brigades, a force previously trained by the United Arab Emirates and now backed by Saudi Arabia. Al Jazeera reported that the group has been leading attacks in parts of the Red Sea coast and Taiz, and has more experience fighting the Houthis than many other anti-Houthi units.

Even so, the article cautions that the Houthis remain capable of counterattacks, including through missiles and drones, and that any push toward Sanaa or long-held Houthi strongholds would be difficult. It also says the campaign is unfolding with stronger international backing than in past escalations, including support from the United Kingdom and cooperation involving Turkiye and Pakistan.