Saudi Air Strikes in Yemen Are at a Six Month High

Saudi airstrikes in Yemen have increased steadily for months, centered almost entirely on the city of Maarib. Data has the number of strikes up 32% month over month, reaching the highest rate since March.

Strikes are escalating as the Houthis gain territory on the ground, and the Saudis are increasingly desperate to prevent the fall of Maarib, the last city held by pro-Saudi forces in Northern Yemen.

This week alone, Yemeni officials reported almost 300 Houthis killed over 48 hours. It is hard to reconcile the casualties with the Houthis’ gains on the ground, though there is little doubt that the strikes are happening daily, and in larger numbers.

Saudis have carried out large numbers of strikes throughout the Yemen War, relying on air power in areas where they haven’t been able to get ground troops. Despite the large number of casualties inflicted, they are no closer to winning the war.