British Newspaper: Saudi Arabia Refuses to End Blockade on Yemen, Prepares for Large-Scale Military Operation
The Guardian: Saudi ground and naval movements and moves toward forming an international coalition amid rising tensions with Sana'a.
NYN | Reports and Analyses
British newspaper The Guardian revealed that Saudi Arabia is continuing its preparations for the possibility of launching a large-scale military operation against Yemen, coinciding with diplomatic and military moves to assemble a multinational maritime coalition aimed at protecting navigation in the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
According to the newspaper, Riyadh continues to refuse demands to lift the blockade imposed on Yemen, at a time when indicators point to preparations for military operations that may encompass naval fronts and potentially a ground offensive in central regions of the country.
Field Movements and Military Preparations
The newspaper explained that Saudi forces were observed repositioning and withdrawing from areas in eastern Yemen, noting that this step could be part of preliminary arrangements for a potential ground operation, alongside escalating Saudi military activity in the region.
The report added that Riyadh is simultaneously seeking to establish an international naval coalition to secure maritime traffic following recent developments in the Red Sea and their impact on sea transport.
Efforts to Form an International Coalition
According to the newspaper, Saudi Arabia requested the participation of the United States and several European nations—including Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and Italy—in the proposed maritime coalition as part of its efforts to bolster navigation security.
The report noted that Yemeni operations in the Red Sea have, to date, targeted Saudi-linked interests, according to the publication.
Al-Bayda at the Forefront of Possibilities
The Guardian quoted informed sources as saying that Saudi forces are conducting military build-ups in preparation for a potential offensive on Al-Bayda Governorate in central Yemen. The sources emphasized at the same time that opportunities for de-escalation remain viable if Riyadh responds to the demands raised by Sana’a regarding an end to the blockade.
These developments come amid escalating tensions between both sides and ongoing military and diplomatic maneuvers that threaten to push the confrontation into a new phase unless efforts are made to contain the crisis.
