Yemen government and Saudi forces launch airstrikes against Houthi advance

Government forces, backed by Saudi Arabia, launched a series of coordinated air strikes on Tuesday aimed at halting the rapid advance of Houthi rebels in northern Yemen. The attacks targeted rebel positions and supply lines in the Saada and Hajjah governorates, where the Houthis have intensified their push toward the capital, Sana’a, over the past week. Yemeni officials said the strikes were intended to protect key infrastructure and prevent further territorial gains by the insurgents, while the Saudi coalition described the operation as a defensive measure to restore stability in the region.

The renewed fighting has forced thousands of civilians to flee their homes, with United Nations agencies estimating that more than 12,000 people have been displaced in the last ten days alone. Humanitarian groups warned that the displacement is exacerbating an already dire situation, as shelters and basic services are strained and access to food, water, and medical care remains limited. Both sides have called for a cease‑fire to facilitate aid delivery, but the escalation underscores the fragile security environment and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Yemen.