Yemeni Army Operations Against Houthis on the Western Coasts and Diplomatic Meetings in Oman

On Wednesday, Yemeni army forces intensified their fight against the Saudi coalition forces by targeting Houthi positions on the western coasts. This action comes as the United States has announced its support for the Yemeni government while also engaging in negotiations with Houthi representatives in Oman.

Military Developments in Mokha and Marib

The Yemeni army's military operations have begun around the port city of Mokha and in Marib following Saudi coalition attacks. Reports indicate that Yemeni army forces have recently launched airstrikes against Houthi positions in Marib province. At the same time, the Houthis claimed to have shot down a Saudi F-15 fighter jet over Marib.

Read more: Trump Administration on the Verge of Negotiations with Gulf Leaders Regarding Iran

This comes as Saudi Arabia faces a shortage of interceptor missiles and has requested assistance from its regional and Western allies. Saudi officials have asked countries like France, Pakistan, Egypt, and the UK to send air defense support to counter Houthi attacks on the kingdom.

Diplomatic Meetings in Oman

Last week, U.S. officials held direct negotiations with Houthi representatives in Oman. In this meeting, conducted at the U.S. Embassy in Muscat with the help of the Omani government, the Houthis informed U.S. officials that they have no intention of attacking American ships and will adhere to the 2025 ceasefire agreement.

Neil Hopp, a senior U.S. diplomat for Yemen, emphasized strong U.S. support for the Yemeni government in discussions with Yemen's Foreign Minister, Afrah al-Zuba. Hopp stated, "The United States stands with the Yemeni government and its people against the Iranian-backed Houthi aggression."

Meanwhile, Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree announced that Saudi fighter jets have carried out 40 airstrikes in the past 24 hours on the provinces of Taiz, Marib, and Al Hudaydah. In response, the Houthis attacked the Khamis Mushait airbase and oil facilities in the port of Yanbu on the Red Sea.

Given the recent developments, the downing of Saudi fighter jets may indicate a shift in the balance of power. As Saudi Arabia heavily relies on its ability to conduct airstrikes against Houthi positions, this change could have serious consequences for the course of the war in Yemen.

Read more: Houthis Deny Yemeni Army's Claims About Mining in Bab al-Mandab · Ansar Allah Fighters Acquire Advanced American Radar