Pro-Saudi Forces Launch New Offensive Against Houthis in NW Yemen

Troops capture several villages in Hajjah Province

Despite a theoretical ceasefire being in place for Saudi-led forces around Yemen, some of their allies have launched a new offensive against the Shi’ite Houthis in Yemen’s far northwest.

Early reports are that Saudi airstrikes precipitated the invasion, softening defenses, and that over the course of the weekend, the Saudi-backed forces had seized several villages in strategic areas of the province.

Details on casualties are unclear, though locals reported that a number were killed and wounded in the fighting. One top commander on the pro-Saudi side was also reportedly wounded in the heavy fighting.

It is unclear why this new offensive was launched, particularly since a ceasefire was already announced and peace talks in Sweden are said to be imminent. It may simply amount to a faction trying to make last minute gains before the talks to improve their bargaining position.

Author: Jason Ditz

Jason Ditz is Senior Editor for Antiwar.com. He has 20 years of experience in foreign policy research and his work has appeared in The American Conservative, Responsible Statecraft, Forbes, Toronto Star, Minneapolis Star-Tribune, Providence Journal, Washington Times, and the Detroit Free Press.