Yemen Strikes: Government forces target Houthi positions in Sanaa and Saada

The strikes come as Yemen’s internationally recognised government launches a broader military campaign against the Iran-aligned Houthi movement amid a sharp escalation in the conflict.

Yemen’s armed forces said early on Sunday that they were conducting strikes against Houthi positions in the capital Sanaa and the group’s stronghold of Saada, as fighting between the Iran-aligned movement and the internationally recognised government intensified.

A spokesperson for the government-aligned forces said the strikes were targeting what he described as “vital targets”, but gave no further details about the locations or the damage caused.

Houthi-run Al Masirah television earlier reported an attack it said had been carried out by Saudi Arabia against Sanaa. Saudi authorities had not immediately confirmed the report.

The latest strikes come as Yemen’s internationally recognised government has announced a major military operation aimed at reclaiming territory held by the Houthis. President Rashad al-Alimi said the campaign would seek to restore state control across the country.

The Houthis, who control Sanaa and large parts of northern and western Yemen, have made significant territorial gains along the Red Sea coast in recent weeks. The escalation has raised concerns over the security of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a major international shipping route.

The conflict had largely been contained following a 2022 truce, but fighting has intensified again this year amid the wider confrontation involving Iran, the United States and regional allies. The Houthis have also launched attacks against Saudi territory and shipping after declaring a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia in July.

On Saturday, the Houthis claimed responsibility for a missile and drone attack targeting an Aramco facility in Riyadh, saying it was retaliation for Saudi military operations in Yemen. Reuters reported that smoke and fire were seen near an Aramco facility, although Saudi authorities had not immediately confirmed an attack on the site.

Saudi Arabia has been carrying out air operations against Houthi targets while supporting forces aligned with Yemen’s internationally recognised government. Reuters reported that Riyadh and its Yemeni allies were preparing a broader offensive to push the Houthis back and regain control of strategic territory.

The renewed fighting threatens to deepen Yemen’s humanitarian crisis, with civilians facing renewed displacement and disruption to vital infrastructure as the conflict expands across several fronts.