The internationally recognized government of Yemen has launched an operation to recapture territories controlled by the Houthis. The head of Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council, Rashad al-Alimi, ordered all army units to begin the operation and fight "until the country is liberated from the rule of the terrorist Houthi group."

Reuters reported on Friday that Saudi Arabia planned an offensive against the Houthis using the Yemeni army, with support from Saudi aviation. The Saudi-led coalition, including Yemeni forces, has been engaged in ground and air combat with the Houthis since early September. In July, the Houthis declared a blockade on Saudi vessels, citing the "siege" of Yemen, and have since repeatedly attacked Saudi Arabia, including its oil facilities.