Yemeni government launches major offensive against Houthi militia

The troops of Yemen's internationally recognized government have launched a major wave of attacks against the Houthi militia, including targeting the capital Sanaa. The army has carried out more than 1,100 attacks on Houthi positions since the offensive began on Sunday, according to an army spokesman.

The military coalition led by Saudi Arabia also said it took part in the major offensive. A coalition spokesman said 100 combat aircraft were deployed in the morning to support the ground troops. 324 important targets were destroyed. The alliance also protects the airspace over the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

According to the army, artillery, rockets and drones were used in the attacks in addition to combat aircraft. In addition, a “strategic offensive” was launched in Sanaa. The capital has been controlled by the Houthis since 2014.

The Yemeni military reported the capture of strategically important areas on the Bab al-Mandab Strait hours after the offensive began. The armed forces said they had taken control of the area around the strait in the southwest of the country and the airport in the city of Dhubab. The Reuters news agency reported, citing military sources, that the Yemeni army attacked the Houthis from three fronts in the north, west and south.

The Houthi militia-controlled Saba news agency denied the reports. She spoke of an attempt to cover up failures and repeated defeats. However, the Houthis' media office confirmed airstrikes on areas controlled by the militia.