Arab Newspaper: Sana’a Foils Military Movements on the West Coast and Accuses Riyadh of Opening New Fronts
Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar reports on preemptive operations by Sana'a forces targeting military sites and arms depots, linking the escalation to Saudi and American plans to reshape the military landscape along the West Coast.
NYN | Reports and Analyses
The Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar stated that the recent military escalation across Yemen’s West Coast comes as part of preemptive moves by Sana’a forces aimed at thwarting military preparations that were paving the way for a large-scale battle in the region.
According to the newspaper’s report, the operations targeted military positions, ammunition depots, and troop concentrations in several areas along the West Coast, describing the strikes as having occurred before preparations for a new military campaign could be finalized.
Military Movements on the West Coast
The newspaper indicated that data relied upon by Sana’a forces points to preparations aimed at opening a front extending from south to north of Hudaydah, in an effort to reshape control and influence over shipping lanes in the Bab al-Mandab region.
According to the report, the operations involved targeting military sites, weapons storage, and equipment in areas including Mokha, Yakhthul, and Khawkhah, alongside targeting the vessel Tihama. The newspaper noted this escalation was intended to disrupt military movements before they could evolve into broad ground operations.
Saudi and American Objectives on the West Coast
Al-Akhbar linked these developments to what it described as an intersection of interests between Riyadh and Washington. It noted that Saudi Arabia seeks to restore its military and political influence in coastal areas, alongside efforts tied to maritime security in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab.
According to the newspaper’s reading, Washington and London are betting on a Saudi role to reorder the military landscape in areas under coalition influence, particularly given the complexities of the regional landscape and the growing importance of strategic sea lanes.
Sana’a Claims Preemptive Strikes
The newspaper considers these recent strikes, per its narrative, as an attempt by Sana’a forces to prevent military movements from transitioning from the preparation phase to the offensive phase by targeting assembly points, arms depots, and locations believed to be tied to the military buildup.
These developments occur amid ongoing escalation in the Red Sea and along the West Coast, accompanied by fears of a widening conflict and a potential resumption of ground operations across several Yemeni fronts.
Riyadh and Tehran in the Escalation Narrative
In a related context, Al-Akhbar noted that Riyadh is promoting the hypothesis that the recent attacks are tied to Iran, viewing this discourse as part of efforts to explain the escalation by framing it within the broader regional conflict.
The report also cited an analysis suggesting that opening multiple fronts—including Al-Jawf, Marib, and the West Coast—might be tied to attempts to improve bargaining positions and rebalance the ratio of power on the ground.
Escalation Poised for Further Tension
According to the paper, developments indicate that the West Coast may witness further escalation in the coming period amid ongoing military moves and conflicting Saudi, American, and Yemeni calculations regarding the region’s future.
Conversely, the exact nature of these military movements, their true objectives, and the actual extent of preparations for a major battle on the West Coast remain subject to competing narratives, even as tension persists across multiple Yemeni and maritime fronts.
