Military power holds key to Yemen’s balance of power
By Delaram Ahmadi
Staff writer
Recent developments in Yemen mark a significant escalation in the country’s long-running civil war. Following a swift Houthi offensive that resulted in major territorial gains along Yemen’s Red Sea coast and around the strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait, the Saudi-backed government has launched a broad military campaign aimed at retaking lost territory. Government forces have reported more than 1,000 attacks on Houthi military positions, while Houthi fighters continue to advance on key fronts, including around the city of Taiz. Journalist Mohammad Hossein Baghi told Iran Daily that the current situation suggests the window for a ceasefire has been missed and that military power is now the only factor capable of determining the balance of power between the sides in Yemen.
IRAN DAILY: How do you assess the balance of power in Yemen at present? Is there a possibility that the conflict could turn into a broad and protracted war?
BAGHI: Based on assessments by Western media outlets, including Reuters, there has been speculation that the offensive could be launched sometime between the coming week and after the US midterm elections in early November. Reuters has estimated that Saudi Arabia is seeking to organize 100,000 Yemeni troops who would serve as ground forces, while Saudi Arabia would provide air support. The United States would provide intelligence support, while Turkey and Pakistan have also moved to send military equipment in recent weeks.
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