Saudi Arabia is preparing a new offensive against Yemen's Houthis, potentially within weeks, aimed at retaking the Bab el-Mandeb strait and restoring Red Sea shipping, Reuters reported, citing an online source. More than 100,000 Yemeni troops could be mobilized, with Saudi air support.

Riyadh is considering either a limited coastal assault or a broader multi-front offensive across Yemen. The U.S. is providing intelligence and military advisers but is not expected to join combat directly. Pakistan has deployed 30,000-40,000 troops inside Saudi Arabia to help defend against Houthi missile and drone attacks. Riyadh believes peace talks cannot resume while the Houthis control Bab el-Mandeb.