Yemeni Forces Launch 81 Operations Against Houthi Positions

The Yemeni Armed Forces executed 81 military operations against Houthi positions, personnel, and equipment over a 24-hour period ending August 20, 2026. Military officials described the campaign as a deterrence measure following Houthi missile and drone strikes on residential areas, internally displaced persons camps in Marib, and strategic ports including Mokha and the Al-Ardi anchorage.

Government officials accused the Houthi militia of acting as an Iranian proxy to gain regional leverage and obstructing oil exports via the Al-Dhabba port to deplete state revenues. While the government reports authorizing over 350 commercial vessel permits to Houthi-held ports since early 2026 to mitigate humanitarian suffering, they maintain the militia is pursuing a policy of siege and starvation.

National Resistance commander Tareq Saleh vowed a decisive battle to retake the capital, Sanaa, and the port city of Hodeidah. Saleh claimed that the introduction of new weapons and drone technology has shifted the balance of power against the Houthis and their Iranian backers.