Yemen’s offensive shows gains in coordination, but battlefield gains remain limited
Operation Dawn of Yemen has Saudi air support and reported US intelligence assistance, but Houthi forces continue to hold territory and the government’s longer-term aim remains distant.
Yemen’s internationally recognised government has launched Operation Dawn of Yemen, opening an offensive on the southern Red Sea coast to reverse recent Houthi gains. The operation began on Monday, with fighting also reported in Taiz, Marib and al-Jawf.
The Saudi-led coalition said 100 of its fighter jets took part, its first acknowledgement of renewed air attacks since the 2022 truce. Al Jazeera reported that a US official said 200 US advisers were stationed in Saudi Arabia in support of the campaign, alongside reported intelligence assistance.
Government forces have made limited advances near Dhubab, where Houthi forces regrouped after losses. The Houthis continue to hold territory and advance towards government-held Taiz, while the durability of the government’s gains remains unclear.
The Giants Brigades have taken a prominent role in the fighting. Al Jazeera’s reporting describes a more coordinated campaign involving ground forces and air support, but says it is too early to know whether earlier problems with government-force cohesion, preparedness and communications security have been resolved.
The government says its longer-term objective is to retake Houthi-held areas, including Sanaa, which the group seized in 2014. That goal remains distant, and the conflict is likely to continue for months. The United Kingdom has offered defensive support to Saudi Arabia, while Pakistan says it is providing support roles including reconnaissance; Türkiye has not confirmed troop deployments.
