The United States continues its intensified aerial campaign against the Houthi militia. According to Arab media reports, U.S. forces struck at least 50 Houthi targets overnight (Saturday to Sunday) in Sanaa, Hudaydah, and Amran—all in Yemen.
The targets reportedly included weapons depots and military bases.
The airstrikes come amid continued preparations by Southern Yemeni forces for a ground offensive in the Hudaydah port area, aiming to capitalize on the pressure created by American operations.
✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️ ميناء الحديدة بأكثر من 15 غارة امريكية وتدميره بالكامل.
عبدة الشمة بنتقم من الشعب pic.twitter.com/DstAlWGxSQ— صور من اليمن Pictures from Yemen (@Pictures0Yemen) April 19, 2025
Southern Yemeni Forces Poised for Ground Assault
Since April 2023, Yemen has been divided into zones of control under a fragile ceasefire: The Houthis control the north and the Southern Transitional Council, recognized internationally as Yemen’s government, controls the south.
Other areas are influenced by the Islah Movement, aligned with the Muslim Brotherhood and backed by Saudi Arabia.
Over the past four years, Houthi activity in Hudaydah has served as a central hub for Red Sea military operations, particularly targeting Western commercial shipping.
Abdulaziz Sager, founder of the Gulf Research Center, told The National that around 80,000 soldiers have been mobilized for the operation to retake the city. Farea al-Muslimi, a researcher at Chatham House, added that alongside Hudaydah, Yemen’s government aims to recapture the Taiz province.
“It’s always been the case—if Hudaydah falls, Sanaa is next,” emphasized Sager.
U.S. Private Firms Advising Yemenis
According to The Wall Street Journal, private U.S. companies are advising Yemeni officials on ground operation plans. The initiative reportedly stems from discussions between the UAE and American officials weeks ago.
Waddah al-Dubaish, spokesperson for the Western Coast Joint Forces, said: “We’ve been ready from day one to liberate Hudaydah and all areas under Houthi control.”
However, he clarified that the final decision lies with Yemen’s government-in-exile in Aden.
Ground Invasion Planning Intensifies
The Wall Street Journal previously reported that Southern Yemeni forces, backed by the UAE, are organizing with local militias to launch a large-scale military offensive targeting Houthi strongholds along the Red Sea coast.
The focal point will be Hudaydah, a strategic port city.
The operation follows weeks of U.S. airstrikes, with Southern Yemen hoping to exploit the damage inflicted on Houthi air and military capabilities.
The U.S. supports the plan but will not lead the operation.
Saudi Arabia has stated it will not participate.
Strategic Importance of Hudaydah
The Hudaydah port is considered one of the most sensitive and strategic maritime locations in the Red Sea. A successful assault on it could have far-reaching consequences for global shipping and trade routes in the region.
