Forces loyal to Yemen’s internationally recognized government have launched significant counterattacks against Houthi rebels, with officials declaring an intention to recapture the capital city of Sanaa. The offensive comes as fighting between government forces and the Iran-backed Houthi group has intensified in the key provinces of al-Bayda and al-Jawf, which are considered crucial gateways to the capital.

The escalation marks one of the most serious military developments since a United Nations-brokered truce that had previously halted large-scale combat in 2022. The war in Yemen began in 2014 when the Houthis seized Sanaa, leading to a Saudi-led military intervention the following year. Hopes for the 2022 truce to pave the way for a lasting political settlement have faced challenges, exacerbated by regional tensions linked to the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel against Iran.

Major-General Samir Al-Sabri, Yemen’s deputy defense minister, stated in remarks broadcast on state television that the government is committed to retaking Sanaa. Majid al-Nuzaili, a spokesperson for the government-aligned forces, emphasized that the campaign's objective is to "liberate Yemen from the grip" of the Houthis and restore Sanaa as the capital for all Yemenis. He also issued a warning to civilians, urging them to avoid several major roads leading into Sanaa, including routes connecting the capital with Marib and al-Jawf, specifically mentioning roads through Nihm, Sirwah, Mahliyah, and al-Hazm.

The resumption of hostilities follows recent military actions. Fighting initially reignited in July when government forces conducted strikes on the Houthi-controlled airport in Sanaa, preventing an aircraft from Iran from landing. In the week preceding this new counteroffensive, the Houthis launched their own significant offensive, attempting to advance through western Taiz and southern Hodeidah towards the Red Sea port city of al-Makha and the vital Bab al-Mandeb Strait. This strait is a critical shipping corridor between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and has gained further strategic importance for Saudi oil exports.

Al Jazeera’s Yemen affairs editor, Ahmed al-Shalafi, observed that Yemeni government forces appear to have successfully countered the initial impact of the rebel offensive. He noted that they have managed to broaden the conflict across multiple fronts, a strategy that may be aimed at stretching Houthi resources and capabilities.

The Houthis reported that at least seven people were killed in a strike on a prison in the town of al-Hazm, located in al-Jawf province, though the source material does not attribute responsibility for this specific strike.

Diplomatic efforts to broker peace have been ongoing, with UN-led initiatives attempting to achieve a sustainable ceasefire and political dialogue. However, the recurrent military escalations underscore the fragility of these efforts and the deep entrenchment of the conflict.

The intensified fighting in al-Bayda and al-Jawf provinces raises concerns about the humanitarian situation, particularly for civilians in the affected areas. Previous rounds of conflict have led to widespread displacement and a severe humanitarian crisis, with international organizations repeatedly calling for unimpeded access to provide aid.