Yemen Monitor/Washington/Agenceis:
CNN reported on Sunday that a ground operation against the Houthis is being prepared from the south, east, and along the coast, with support from the US, which is conducting an aerial military operation against the armed group in northern Yemen.
Regional diplomatic sources reported that preparations are underway to launch a ground operation from the south and east, and along the coast.
The American network pointed out that the coordinated attack “could also include Saudi and US naval support in an attempt to recapture the port of Hodeidah.”
It stated that the US will not deploy ground troops and that the matter will be limited to a unit of special forces to direct air operations.
Analysts believe that the UAE will quietly support the ground military operation against the Houthis, while the Saudi perspective is less clear. Researcher Michael Knights believes that Riyadh is concerned about the Houthis’ retaliation with long-range drones and missiles targeting its infrastructure. However, the US has accelerated the delivery of anti-missile defense systems to Saudi Arabia in recent months.
Knights says the US will have to tell Riyadh: “We will protect you.”
CNN said that the Houthis are threatening to attack the United Arab Emirates. Meanwhile, Saudi air defenses have been placed on high alert for potential Houthi attacks.
The New York Times reported last week that the UAE is providing logistical and advisory support for the US operation against the Houthis in Yemen.
Ahmed Naji, a researcher at the International Crisis Group, told CNN: “It remains unclear whether such an operation is feasible, as the past decade has shown mixed results, successes in some areas and failures in others.”
