Saudi-backed govt launches military drive to retake Houthi-held territory

Yemeni President Rashad al-Alimi on Sunday announced the launch of military operations to retake territory held by the Iran-backed Houthis, declaring that government forces would seek to restore state authority across the country.“Today, I announce the start of military operations to retake the remaining territory of the republic and extend the authority of the state and its institutions across the entire national territory,” Al-Alimi said in a televised address, according to the BBC.The announcement followed a major Houthi offensive last month, during which the Iran-backed group seized territory along Yemen's Red Sea coastline, including areas around the strategically important Bab al-Mandab Strait. The Houthis have also continued to advance around Taiz, a key government-held city in southwestern Yemen.The escalation has also brought Saudi Arabia directly into the latest phase of the conflict.