Saudi Arabia is reportedly preparing for a large-scale military operation against Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen.
According to Yemeni sources, Riyadh is planning both sea and possible land operations to lift restrictions imposed by the Houthis on Saudi oil exports in the Red Sea.
Saudi forces reposition for possible operation
According to sources, the withdrawal of Saudi forces from Yemen's eastern regions is considered preparation for a possible land operation.
At the same time, Riyadh is trying to create an international maritime coalition to ensure the safety of shipping in the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
The Saudi Ministry of Defense stated that 14 countries, including Turkey, Pakistan, Egypt, Sudan, and Djibouti, issued a joint statement supporting a multinational maritime security coalition.
Houthis declare blockade on Saudi ships
The Houthis, who control Yemen's capital Sanaa and much of the Red Sea coast, announced on July 20 that they had imposed a blockade on Saudi ships. However, the group stated there is no plan to collect tolls from all ships. The Houthis declare they will lift these restrictions if Saudi Arabia lifts the blockade it imposed on Yemen.
Saudi Arabia wants to involve the US and Europe in the coalition
Riyadh has asked the US and several European countries, including Germany, France, the UK, and Italy, to join the security coalition in the Red Sea. The European Union, meanwhile, already has the "Aspides" naval mission operating in the region.
Houthis announce they struck Saudi oil facilities
The Houthis stated on July 25 that they struck crucial oil transport facilities connecting oil fields in Saudi Arabia's eastern province to the export terminal in the Red Sea.
The closure of the Red Sea route and restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz could seriously affect Saudi Arabia's energy exports.
Before the Iran war started, approximately 80 percent of Saudi Arabia's crude oil exports were carried out through the Strait of Hormuz.
Tensions rise again in Yemen
Saudi Arabia and the Houthis have been fighting for influence in Yemen for over a decade. In recent weeks, the relative calm between the parties has been broken, and clashes have intensified again.
Sources indicate that the movement of Saudi forces in Yemen may be related to preparation for a possible attack on the Al Bayda province, located in the central-south of the country.
According to experts, if an agreement is reached between the Gulf countries and Iran regarding the de-escalation of tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, the level of conflict in Yemen could also decrease.
