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<h1 class="gmail-reader-title">Exclusive: Yemen Braces For Impending Massive US-Led Air and Ground Campaign</h1>
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<strong>By Ahmed Abdulkareem, MintPress News</strong>
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<div class="gmail-moz-reader-content gmail-reader-show-element"><div id="gmail-readability-page-1" class="gmail-page"><div><p>Senior
military officials in Sana’a have informed MintPress News of ongoing
military preparations by the US, UK, and Saudi-led Coalition over the
past two weeks. According to these sources, there are plans to initiate a
significant aerial assault on the Yemeni mainland, focusing
particularly on coastal regions in the west, as well as areas in the
south near the Saudi border. This assault is expected to be accompanied
by ground offensives carried out by factions aligned with the UAE, Saudi
Arabia and Bahrain.</p>
<p>MintPress News sources indicate a probable escalation, coinciding
with significant military reinforcements. Notably, squadrons of US F-16
aircraft have been arriving at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia,
located less than 200 kilometers from the Yemeni border. Additionally,
extensive air transport activities involving weapons and equipment have
been observed over the past two weeks, with US cargo planes shuttling to
and from military bases in Saudi Arabia and Djibouti.</p>
<p>On April 29, the Aviano Air Base in Italy <a href="https://www.stripes.com/branches/air_force/2024-04-29/aviano-air-base-jets-deploy-13694876.html" target="_blank">declared </a>the
deployment of F-16 Fighting Falcon jets from its 510th Expeditionary
Fighter Squadron to the Middle East. As stated on the Aviano Air Base
website, these F-16s are set to undertake a range of missions, including
safeguarding civilian vessels in the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf as part
of Operation Prosperity Guardian, alongside other crucial force
protection and deterrence duties</p>
<p>Sources near the Saudi-led coalition-backed government in Aden
revealed to MintPress News that the United States and Britain have
ramped up their dialogue with the Ministry of Defense in the Aden
administration. This surge comes in response to recent Yemeni activities
in the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and the Indian Ocean.</p>
<p>Military and political insiders in Sanaa informed MintPress News about the military exercise <a href="https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20240422-uae-launches-military-exercise-with-10-nation-participation/" target="_blank">held </a>on
April 24. The event, dubbed “Desert Flag 9,” saw the participation of
Saudi Arabia, Israel, and other Arab nations at the Al Dhafra base in
the Emirates. This maneuver is believed to be part of preparations for
the announcement of a new military coalition, ostensibly aimed at
safeguarding international freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, Gulf of
Aden, and Indian Ocean. At the outset of the exercise, General Charles
Keough, Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, lauded the
collaboration among allies in countering perceived Iranian threats.</p>
<p>Numerous officials in Sanaa and among Ansar Allah have <a href="https://www.saba.ye/ar/news3325424.htm" target="_blank">issued public warnings</a>
about alleged plans orchestrated by the United States and Britain, with
support from certain Arab nations. The Supreme Political Council, the
highest governing body in the northern region, has cautioned against any
hostile escalation by the United States in Yemen. It asserts that
ongoing suspicious preparations aimed at dissuading Yemen from
supporting Gaza will prove futile. Emphasizing that any consequences of
such escalation will extend beyond Yemen’s borders, the Council has
urged Saudi Arabia to prioritize its national interests over those of
the United States.</p>
<p>It seems evident that Saudi and Emirati endeavors extend beyond
merely challenging the naval blockade imposed by Ansar Allah on Israel,
currently engaged in what many legal experts have termed a genocide in
Gaza. Rather, indications suggest that these oil-rich nations may be
poised to actively participate in an anticipated U.S. and U.K. military
intervention. Their aim? To dismantle the blockade on Israel imposed by
Yemeni forces and quell Ansar Allah’s assaults on Israeli
vessels—actions purportedly intended to halt the ongoing genocide and
alleviate the siege on civilians within the embattled enclave.</p>
<p>In addressing the Yemen-Saudi border situation, Muhammad Ali Al-Houthi, a member of the Supreme Political Council, <a href="https://twitter.com/Moh_Alhouthi/status/1785410839031243252" target="_blank">raised </a>poignant
questions: “Why does Saudi Arabia deliberately target civilians on the
Yemeni border with French Caesar’s cannons? Wouldn’t it be wiser for the
Saudi army to position these cannons near the borders of the northern
kingdom to aid the people of Gaza?” He cautioned against reckless
actions, stating, “Do not play with fire. We possess a strategic arsenal
far beyond what you anticipate.”</p>
<p>Hussein Al-Ezzi, serving as the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs in the Sana’a government, <a href="https://x.com/hussinalezzi5/status/1784006798946537849?t=mhMmvoehgRX17DMZoDI9hw&s=35" target="_blank">issued </a>a stark warning:</p>
<blockquote><p>We are well aware of Washington’s hostile intentions.
Henceforth, we hold Washington accountable for any dire consequences
resulting from its reckless actions against Yemen. It may soon find
itself devoid of safe havens in the region, as its interests become a
common target for all those who value freedom.”</p></blockquote>
<p>Seeking to entangle itself anew in the Yemen conflict and forge
closer ties with Israel, the United States has pledged support to Saudi
Arabia. This includes assistance for a Saudi nuclear program and
designating Saudi Arabia as a major non-NATO ally. Talks are ongoing to
solidify a joint defense pact and enhance security cooperation, as <a href="https://youtu.be/FvkQ-grWpHA?si=mFSOSbuU-9DFZExK" target="_blank">reported </a>by Saudi media.</p>
<h2>Impending Assaults on Critical Assets</h2>
<p>The peril isn’t just about the conflict’s escalation, but also the
neighboring nations getting entangled in operations beyond their
control. This risks sparking another tragic conflict, impacting not only
war-torn Yemen but also neighboring countries like Saudi Arabia.</p>
<p>MintPress sources have confirmed that, in the case of a U.S.-led
ground invasion of Yemen, planned assaults by Ansar Allah will target
not only U.S. interests and bases within the involved nations but also
critical facilities and assets belonging to those participating
countries, such as oil installations.</p>
<p>Ansar Allah has issued a grave threat of launching a large-scale and
aggressive assault aimed at crucial installations, including oil
facilities, in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. This ominous warning mirrors
previous attacks, such as the devastating strikes on the Abqaiq oil
facilities in September 2019, which resulted in a significant disruption
to half of Saudi Arabia’s oil production.</p>
<p>Ali al-Quhom, a Member of the Political Council of Ansar Allah, wrote
on X, “The stage has changed, and with it, the rules of engagement have
changed. Saudi Arabia and the UAE must realize this, and seven years
are enough to learn the lesson. Yemen has become stronger with the
increase in military capabilities at all levels. Escalation will be met
with escalation, and this is a fixed and inseparable rule that will
never change, ever. As you lost before, you will lose now, but this time
your loss will be greater than before.” He added:</p>
<blockquote><p>There should be no submission or surrender on the part of
neighboring countries to American, British and Israeli pressure and
will, indicating that any American move from the territories of
neighboring countries will lead to strong Yemeni responses, these
countries will be the target of Yemeni operations, We have a target bank
that includes strategic and vital targets in depth and in areas of
economic importance.”</p></blockquote>
<h2>Imminent Retaliation</h2>
<p>Mounting tensions in Yemen and the broader region coincide with the
withdrawal of an American aircraft carrier from the Red Sea. Yemeni
analysts suggest that this move signifies not only the persistence of
Yemeni operations targeting maritime navigation linked to the Israeli
regime but also hints at a shift towards ground-based operations for a
more extensive assault on Yemeni territory. Yemeni sources indicate that
the departure of USS Dwight D. Eisenhower and USS Gravely from the Red
Sea is part of the preparations for the coming assault.</p>
<p>General Shamsan, the head of the Military Spokesmen Committee in the
Yemeni Army, informed MintPress that concurrent with the withdrawal of
the American aircraft carrier, a squadron of aircraft has arrived at
Saudi bases. This development aligns with diplomatic and political
maneuvers. The Americans seem compelled to pivot towards attacks from
land bases to mitigate potential heavy losses from retaliatory strikes
against U.S. aircraft carriers and destroyers at sea.</p>
<p>While certain Yemenis perceive the withdrawal of the American
aircraft carrier from the Red Sea as a triumph, numerous political,
military officials, and analysts interviewed by MintPress regard
Washington’s move with deep suspicion, framing it within the context of
ongoing operational preparations, as emphasized by Brigadier General
Shamsan.</p>
<p>Last Friday, the U.S. Navy <a href="https://bulgarianmilitary.com/2024/04/28/us-carrier-and-amphibious-strike-groups-left-the-red-sea-region/" target="_blank">declared </a>that
USS Dwight D. Eisenhower and USS Gravely departed from the Red Sea
after an almost four-month presence. Despite their deployment, the U.S.
battle group was unable to impede Yemeni operations targeting maritime
navigation associated with the Israeli regime, as these operations
persisted.</p>
<p>Additionally, there’s a possibility, as indicated by a Yemeni source
linked to the coordination between Yemeni and Iraqi resistance forces,
that certain groups within the Resistance Axis, notably the Iraqi
resistance, may engage in retaliatory strikes against key American and
Saudi targets in the region. This prospect hints at potential conflict
not only in the Red Sea but also in the Strait of Hormuz and the Arabian
Gulf, posing a genuine threat to American interests. However, such
escalation could potentially be averted or delayed, especially
considering the Russian front and the upcoming U.S. presidential
elections.</p>
<h2>Mounting Tension and Military Preparations</h2>
<p>On the ground, clear signs of an impending conflict are emerging,
particularly in the conflict zones of Taiz and Lahj, alongside other
fronts. This coincides with significant military reinforcements being
deployed by factions aligned with the Saudi-Emirati coalition from Aden
to the strategic Tur al-Baha and Haifan fronts. These areas serve as
vital contact points between Sanaa-aligned forces and coalition-backed
militias. Tragically, in the Maqbanah area southwest of Taiz, an attack
allegedly <a href="https://www.saba.ye/ar/news3324537.htm" target="_blank">conducted </a>by a drone affiliated with these factions resulted in the loss of two children and three women.</p>
<p>According to Yemeni military media, an American MQ9 drone was brought
down above Saada Governorate while conducting a military operation.
Footage <a href="https://x.com/MMY1444/status/1784229166868517135?t=THtwEo-nqQdUr18JTv0Img&s=35" target="_blank">released </a>last Friday depicted Yemeni Armed Forces successfully shooting down the US MQ-9 aircraft using a missile.</p>
<p>In the days, military tensions between Yemeni forces and the American
and British navies have surged to unprecedented levels. Reports
indicate violent explosions along the coasts of Al-Khawkhah and
Al-Mokha, spanning from Khor Amira, facing Bab Al-Mandab, to the
southern shores of the country</p>
<p>Yemenis harbor a pervasive belief in the imminent likelihood of a
ground invasion, a notion taken with utmost seriousness across the
nation. Numerous officials, in interviews with MintPress, have openly
discussed the potentiality of such an occurrence, grounded not in
analysis but in raw data. Consequently, all regions, cities, and
institutions have experienced a surge in recruitment efforts, operating
under the banner of “Al-Aqsa Flood.”</p>
<h2>Yemen’s Resolve Amid Escalating Tensions</h2>
<p>While Yemenis are earnestly grappling with the looming prospect of
escalation, their resolve extends beyond merely halting attacks aimed at
ending the conflict in Gaza and lifting the blockade. They’ve heralded
an unprecedented development targeting Israeli vessels across the Indian
Ocean, the Gulf of Aden, and Bab al-Mandab. On Tuesday, the Yemeni
Armed Forces (YAF) <a href="https://x.com/army21ye/status/1785056174909337610?t=1OPMpF4EXTjVI8jP-GgaDA&s=35" target="_blank">launched </a>strikes
against two United States warships in the Red Sea and targeted the
Cyclades bulk carrier, achieving precise hits. Subsequently, military
media footage <a href="https://x.com/MMY1444/status/1785383896307085681?t=pGhRtuxlVR8-qWdtnshk6g&s=35" target="_blank">surfaced</a>,
showcasing the moment of the Cyclades ship’s bombing in the Indian
Ocean, underscoring the Yemeni army’s capacity to execute operations
hundreds of kilometers from the Yemeni coastline.</p>
<p>In a televised address to the nation last Thursday discussing the
latest regional developments, Ansar Allah leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi <a href="https://www.masirahtv.net/post/251579/%28%D9%86%D8%B5-%D9%81%D9%8A%D8%AF%D9%8A%D9%88%29-%D9%83%D9%84%D9%85%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B3%D9%8A%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%82%D8%A7%D8%A6%D8%AF-%D8%B9%D8%A8%D8%AF%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D9%84%D9%83-%D8%A8%D8%AF%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AF%D9%8A%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AD%D9%88%D8%AB%D9%8A-%D8%AD%D9%88%D9%84-%D8%A2%D8%AE%D8%B1-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AA%D8%B7%D9%88%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D9%81%D9%84%D8%B3%D8%B7%D9%8A%D9%86-%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%B3%D8%AA%D8%AC%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A5%D9%82%D9%84%D9%8A%D9%85%D9%8A%D8%A9" target="_blank">stated </a>that
the Yemeni army is enhancing its presence in the Indian Ocean, aiming
to block Israeli-affiliated vessels from navigating the Cape of Good
Hope route or towards the Red Sea. He further remarked, “The Yemeni
front will remain open, and the Yemeni Armed Forces’ (YAF) operations in
support of Palestine will continue.”</p>
<p>Since Abdul-Malik al-Houthi’s speech, four Israeli, American, and
British vessels have been hit. The Yemeni Navy struck the British ship
ANDROMEDA STAR and the Israeli MSC Darwin ship on Saturday, along with
an American warship and another commercial vessel named MAERSK YORKTOWN,
and the Israeli MSC VERACRUZ on April 24. Preceding these events, the
Yemeni army conducted four operations targeting two Israeli ships and
two American ships on April 10.</p>
<p>Following Abdulmalik al-Houthi’s speech, four vessels affiliated with
Israel, the United States and Britain were targeted by Ansar Allah. The
Yemeni navy attacked the British vessel Andromeda Star and the Israeli
MSC Darwinship on Saturday, as well as an American warship and a
commercial vessel named Maersk Yorktown, and the Israeli MSC Veracruz on
April 24. Prior to these incidents, the Yemeni army executed four
operations against two Israeli ships and two American ships on April 10.</p>
<p>It’s worth noting that Ansar Allah has turned down several American
offers aimed at halting their maritime attacks in support of Gaza. These
offers included recognition of their group, revocation of their
terrorist designation, payment of government employee salaries, and the
signing of a comprehensive agreement with Saudi Arabia to end the war
and initiate Yemen’s reconstruction.</p>
<p>Barbara Leaf, Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, <a href="https://www.state.gov/digital-press-briefing-with-the-assistant-secretary-of-state-for-near-eastern-affairs-barbara-leaf/" target="_blank">said </a>in
a press briefing that there are ongoing communications with Ansar
Allah, urging the movement to engage in the Yemeni political process.
However, she clarified that she wouldn’t characterize the discussions
with strong language at this point. Leaf emphasized that “Washington is
employing all available means, both diplomatically and militarily, to
deter the Houthis from their actions,” which she described as “reckless”
in the Red Sea.</p>
<p>Feature photo | Yemenis attend a massive rally against US-led
airstrikes on Yemen and the Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip in
Sanaa, Yemen, March 1, 2024. Osamah Abdulrahman | AP</p>
<p><em><strong>Ahmed AbdulKareem</strong> is a Yemeni journalist based in Sana’a. He covers the war in Yemen for MintPress News as well as local Yemeni media.</em></p></div><br></div></div>
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