Saudi-Led Coalition Launches Major Offensive Against Houthis in Yemen

The Saudi-led coalition announced on Tuesday that over 100 fighter jets participated in an early morning operation, codenamed "Yemen Dawn," targeting Houthi rebels in Yemen. The operation, which aims to support Yemeni government forces, reportedly destroyed 324 "high-value" targets, according to coalition spokesperson Turki al-Maliki. Al-Maliki stated that the coalition provides round-the-clock air support to Yemeni forces and is safeguarding the Bab al-Mandab strait.

The offensive commenced following Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council head Rashad al-Alimi's declaration of military actions to reclaim territories still under Houthi control and to establish government rule nationwide. Al-Alimi stated that "Yemen Dawn" aims to restore state institutions and liberate the capital, Sanaa.

Concurrently, Yemeni government forces reported capturing the Dhu Bab area and strategic positions near the Bab al-Mandab strait in Taiz province. Forces identified as "Homeland Shield" and "Giant Brigades" operated with air cover, severing Houthi supply lines. The Houthis have denied these reports of advances.

Separately, the article details a tense incident within the Israeli Air Force concerning a potential aircraft hijacking. Air traffic controllers detected an aircraft exhibiting unusual signals, initially suspecting a malfunction but later classifying it as a possible hijacking. This led to the scrambling of fighter jets and heightened alert levels. The aircraft eventually turned away from Israeli airspace and landed in Saudi Arabia. Israeli authorities remained concerned until confirmation of the safe disembarkation of any potential Israeli passengers was received. The incident prompted immediate airspace clearance procedures, with one controller noting it was the first time in over a decade that the skies had to be closed due to such a significant event.