US airstrikes against Houthis may set stage for a major Yemeni ground offensive

Over recent weeks, several reports have indicated that the internationally recognized government of Yemen, which has been pushed out of the capital by the Houthi terror group, is preparing a major new ground offensive amid ongoing U.S. airstrikes.

Houthi media reported 14 strikes on military targets in Sana’a on Thursday, which they said was responsible for killing one person. The U.S. military has been pounding Houthi targets every day since March 15.

2/ Yemen: US Central Command (CENTCOM) conducted at least 11 airstrikes targeting Houthi infrastructure and leadership near Sanaa City, Sanaa Governorate, since April 10. https://t.co/MO9QDYn3jL

Senior Houthi political bureau member Mohammed al Bukhaiti warned the Yemeni… pic.twitter.com/7XdaBmkPYM

— Institute for the Study of War (@TheStudyofWar) April 11, 2025

According to Bloomberg, Yemeni forces are in discussions with the U.S. and their Arab allies, primarily Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, in preparation for a significant ground offensive against Houthi-held areas from multiple fronts.

A Saudi-led coalition has been fighting the Iran-backed Houthis since about 2014, but direct confrontations largely ended with a ceasefire in 2022.

Emirati news outlet The National recently reported that Yemen is mobilizing around 80,000 troops for an offensive aimed at retaking the port of Hodeidah as a first step in a broader operation, with the ultimate goal of seizing control of the capital, Sana’a.

The reports suggest that the U.S. would not be involved with ground troops in a possible offensive. However, U.S. Central Command Chief Gen. Michael Kurilla visited the Saudi capital of Riyadh this month to meet with the chiefs of staff of the Saudi and Yemeni armed forces.

The generals discussed “ongoing efforts against the Iran-backed Houthis,” the Pentagon said. The talks reportedly focused on coordinating the U.S. airstrikes with Yemeni ground advances to maximize damage on the Houthis.

According to Reuters, a senior UAE official and a Saudi official source denied reports that their countries were involved in planning a potential offensive.

Informed sources cited by Bloomberg said a possible scenario would see a broadening of airstrikes while ground troops conducted a multi-front assault aiming to capture Hodeidah.

“The American strikes are degrading [the Houthis] and prepare the ground for a bigger move,” a Yemeni source told Kan News, adding that there's currently a unique opportunity “that won’t return” to launch a ground offensive to cut off the port of Hodeidah, which he called the Houthis’ “lifeline.”

A map of the attacks by the Houthi rebels on commercial shipping off the coast of #Yemen.

Of note that the vast majority of incidents have occurred outside of Yemeni territorial waters, and many have taken place away from #Houthi controlled coasts.

Thank you to @detresfa_ for… pic.twitter.com/ZVdfBE2QoV

— War Mapper (@War_Mapper) January 16, 2024

In another concerning development that could increase pressure to defeat the Houthis, the terror group has reportedly reached out to friendly al-Qaeda operatives to carry out attacks against the Yemeni government.

During the civil war, al-Qaeda carved out an area that is still under its control and, despite ideological and religious differences, the terror groups reportedly cooperated.

In addition, the Houthis are also reported to have good relations with the Somali branch of al-Qaeda, called al-Shabab, and are using this connection for training and weapons smuggling, according to the U.S. Africa Command.

The connection recently drew U.S. President Donald Trump's attention. He wrote on social media that the U.S. “will support the Somali People, who should not allow the Houthis to embed (which they are trying to do!), to end terrorism, and bring prosperity to their Country.”

“Time for the terrorists to hide, but it won’t do them any good. Our Warfighters, the Greatest the World has ever seen, will find them, and bring them to swift Justice,” Trump added.