The military of Yemen’s internationally recognized government announced on October 10, 2026, that its forces killed at least 1,150 Houthi fighters in targeted operations over the preceding 24 hours. Colonel Majed Abdullah al-Nazili, a spokesman for the government forces, stated that these operations, part of an initiative called “Dawn of Yemen,” involved nearly 2,000 targeted actions across the country.

The government's military also claimed to have destroyed Houthi ammunition depots and at least 180 military vehicles, including combat, transport, and supply units. Al-Nazili added that ground forces were continuing their offensive. Al Jazeera was unable to independently verify these claims.

This announcement comes amidst heightened tensions following an attack on King Khalid International Airport in Saudi Arabia's capital, Riyadh, on Saturday, which resulted in casualties and flight cancellations. When questioned about potential U.S. involvement in strikes against the Houthis, President Donald Trump indicated that a decision would be made soon.

Reporting from Yemen, Al Jazeera’s Yousef Mawry noted that the Houthis had not yet claimed responsibility for the Riyadh airport attack. However, the Iran-aligned group has issued warnings to aviation companies, designating any aircraft operating in Saudi airspace, except over Mecca and Medina, as potential targets.

Mawry further reported that the Houthis are preparing for conflict on multiple fronts, including potential engagement with international actors like Pakistan. The group has stated that if Pakistan participates in military activities against them on behalf of Saudi Arabia, they will face similar actions to those directed at Saudi Arabia.

Plans reportedly include launching ballistic missiles towards Pakistan and targeting Pakistan-flagged vessels in the Red and Arabian Seas. Baraa Shiban, an associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute, described the situation as escalating and spreading across multiple fronts, with no signs of imminent de-escalation.

Shiban also highlighted the absence of current mediation efforts, stating that no regional or local mediators appear capable of cooling down the escalating conflict. The Yemeni government forces are reportedly advancing to retake areas around the Bab al-Mandeb strait, a crucial maritime trade route connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden.

Battles are currently concentrated around the strategic southern Yemeni cities of Mocha and Dhubab, located along this vital shipping corridor. The ongoing military actions and escalating rhetoric suggest a continued intensification of the conflict in Yemen.