According to the Saudi-based Gulf Research Center and multiple Arab media outlets, the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council (PLC)—the internationally recognized government backed by the United States, Saudi Arabia, and other Gulf nations—is preparing an unprecedented military offensive to seize the strategic port city of Hodeidah from Houthi control. Reports indicate that the PLC is mobilizing as many as 80,000 troops for the operation, which would mark the largest campaign of the ongoing Yemeni Civil War.

Since 2017, the PLC and its allied forces—including the Southern Transitional Council and the Yemeni National Resistance—have steadily expanded their military strength and territorial influence. Capturing Hodeidah would represent a major turning point, as it would effectively isolate the Iranian-backed Houthis in western Yemen and pave the way for a potential future assault on the capital, Sana’a, which has been under Houthi control since 2014.

While the specific involvement of the United States and Gulf allies remains unclear, emerging reports suggest that the U.S. Air Force is already supporting the Yemeni military through intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) operations over Houthi-held areas. Additionally, recent drone and airstrikes targeting Houthi positions appear to be “shaping operations” intended to soften defenses ahead of a broader offensive.