Saudi Arabia is preparing an offensive against Iran-backed Houthi forces to regain control of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, Reuters reported Friday, citing officials and diplomats.
Yemeni troops would lead the assault with Saudi air support, potentially mobilizing more than 100,000 fighters depending on its scale.
Riyadh is considering a focused coastal operation or a broader campaign across multiple fronts.
Washington is providing advisers and intelligence, including targeting information, according to a Western diplomat.
The timing remains uncertain, with estimates ranging from within a week to after November’s U.S. midterm elections.
Renewed fighting has also worsened Yemen’s hunger crisis, the WFP says.