Saudi Arabia is Ready to Take Back Yemen. Can it be Done?
Simon Whistler • October 6, 2026
Members only
Note: this transcript was generated by AI and may contain errors or inconsistencies.
Sometimes, modern warfare is a meat grinder. But sometimes, it's a hell of a lot more like a seesaw. And for a picture-perfect example of seesaw-style warfare, look no further than the nation of Yemen.
Look, just a couple of weeks ago, we were on Warfronts explaining that the Iran-bagged Houthi rebels had seized control of Yemen's Red Sea coast. The Houthis had attacked the forces of Yemen's internationally recognized government, backed by Saudi Arabia in a lightning assault.
That overwhelmed Yemeni positions, forced Saudi Arabia to demonstrate that it wouldn't commit its forces in a crisis, and eventually, the Houthis seized the Red Sea's southern opening, a critical strategic waterway and maritime trade chokepoint called the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.
Watch with Fronts Insider
Fronts Insiders get every video, the complete archive, and private sponsor-free playback.
Insiders Receive
- Every WarFronts, HomeFronts, and Insider video
- Complete sponsor-free video archive
- Support independent conflict journalism
Already a member? Log in →
Signed in or already a member, but still locked? Fix an access problem
From $5/month — cancel anytime
About this briefing
Riyadh's 100,000-strong counteroffensive has reclaimed the Red Sea coast in days, but Yemen's seesaw warfare makes every gain easier to take than to hold — and the highlands remain Houthi ground.