DOMINANT ANGLE
Riyadhh frames the offensive as the restoration of a legitimate state in the face of a "terrorist militia": the Yemeni army is advancing, the coalition is supporting it, and the Kingdom is financing the budget.
Dominant angle identified — does not reflect unanimity of this country’s media
KEY POINTS
- 01
On Sunday, October 4, Rachad al-Alimi announced the start of military operations to retake the remaining territory of the Republic, on the decision of the National Defense Council (Asharq Al-Awsat).
- 02
According to Asharq Al-Awsat, the Houthis have taken Al-Safiya and Al-Barkani and cut the road between Al-Turbah and the city of Taiz, isolating it from the areas of Lahj and Aden.
- 03
Riyadh has provided more than 224 million riyals (59.7 million dollars) to the Yemeni budget, in a total of more than 12.6 billion dollars in aid between 2012 and 2026 (Saudi Gazette).
ANALYSIS
Riyadh, October 5, 2026. In the Saudi press, the Yemeni offensive is first and foremost that of a state taking back control. Asharq Al-Awsat reports that the Chairman of the Presidential Council, Rashad al-Alimi, announced on Sunday the start of military operations "to reclaim the remaining territory of the republic", marking the transition "from a phase of preparation and mobilization to open military action". The decision, he says, was made after the necessary procedures and based on decisions from the National Defense Council.
Al-Alimi justifies the choice due to the exhaustion of opportunities for de-escalation: the state has given peace "sufficient time and opportunities", while the Houthis have responded with more mobilization, attacks, and threats against civilians, neighboring countries, and international maritime routes. He specifies that this is not a war against the inhabitants of Houthi areas, nor against a confession or a tribe. He asks them to move away from military positions and supply lines, and reiterates the announced amnesty.
The coalition's spokesperson, Major General Turki al-Maliki, affirms that the joint command will continue to provide "full operational support" to the Yemeni forces to "end the Houthi coup". He lists the grievances against the Houthis: internal blockade, forced displacement, famine, recruitment of child soldiers, as well as attacks against the Kingdom, notably against Riyadh, Abha, Jazan, Najran, and Yanbu.
On the ground, Asharq Al-Awsat describes Houthi pressure isolating Taiz from its southern countryside. The Houthis are said to have taken Al-Safiya and Al-Barkani and cut the road between Al-Turbah and the city. The newspaper also reports government gains in Al-Maqarm and Al-Zakira, later retaken by the Houthis, and an advance towards Jabal al-Jaasha. Field sources are calling for immediate reinforcements.
The financial aspect complements this account. The Saudi Program for Development and Reconstruction of Yemen is providing more than 224 million riyals (59.7 million dollars) for operating expenses and salaries. Saudi Gazette recalls more than 12.6 billion dollars in aid between 2012 and 2026 and 300 projects in eight sectors.
