Saudi Arabia and Yemen's government forces are preparing a counteroffensive against the Houthis, Axios reported, citing sources. An unnamed U.S. official told the outlet that Saudi authorities had been planning the operation for weeks and that leadership had approved it days ago.

The operation will involve ground units of the Yemeni army supported by the Royal Saudi Air Force. On Thursday, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman called Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth to inform him of the planned operation and request air support. The U.S. has repeatedly rejected Riyadh's calls to participate in airstrikes, but U.S. officials noted that this approach could change depending on the course of the operation. A U.S. official told the outlet that Americans "will not strike yet."