Yemen’s internationally recognized government says it has decided to retake the capital, Sanaa, from the Houthi movement.
Deputy Defence Minister Major General Samir Al-Sabri announced the decision as fighting between government forces and the Houthis intensified in several parts of Yemen.
“The decision has been made to retake Sanaa,” Al-Sabri said. He added that there were “surprises” that the government would not reveal at this stage.
Yemeni army spokesman Majid Al-Nuzaili also said the government’s goal was to restore Sanaa as the capital for all Yemenis.
Fighting intensifies in Al-Bayda and Al-Jawf
The latest developments come as clashes have intensified in the provinces of Al-Bayda and Al-Jawf.
Yemeni government forces have also reported battlefield gains on several fronts. The developments raise the prospect of a wider ground offensive against the Houthis.
The Houthis have controlled Sanaa since 2014. The renewed fighting marks a major escalation after years of relative calm under a fragile truce.
Houthis report deadly prison strike
The Houthis have accused Saudi Arabia of carrying out an airstrike on a prison in Al-Hazm, the capital of Al-Jawf province.
Houthi sources said the strike killed seven people, including a child, and wounded others. The Saudi side has not immediately confirmed the allegation.
The reported prison strike has added to tensions as government forces and the Houthis step up military operations.
73 injured in Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia
Meanwhile, the conflict has also spread into Saudi Arabia.
The Saudi-led coalition said Houthi attacks targeted the southern cities of Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan and Najran. Saudi authorities said 73 people were injured, including women and children.
The attacks also affected energy facilities. Fires broke out at several sites, while emergency teams worked to contain the damage.
The latest attacks represent a sharp escalation in hostilities between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia.
Saudi-led coalition vows response
Coalition spokesman Major General Turki Al-Malki described the Houthi attacks as a dangerous escalation.
He said the coalition would take firm operational measures against what it described as threats to Saudi security.
The escalation comes as Saudi-backed Yemeni forces prepare for further operations against the Houthis.
For now, the government’s stated goal of retaking Sanaa could open a new and potentially decisive phase in Yemen’s long-running conflict.
