Saudis reportedly gearing up for intensive attack on Houthis

Saudi Arabia is reportedly gearing up for intensive strikes on the Yemeni Houthi rebel group, amid growing violence between them.

According to a report in the Guardian citing Yemeni sources, Saudi forces are preparing for a potential both naval and ground operation.

The newspaper also cites reports that Saudi troops have been withdrawing from the east of Yemen in a possible preparation for an escalatory attack.

The Houthis said on July 20 they would impose a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia in the Red Sea, and have since claimed a series of attacks on Saudi-linked shipping. Saudi Arabia has responded with air strikes on what it said were Houthi military facilities in Yemen’s Hodeidah used to threaten commercial shipping.