NEW: Saudi Arabia is preparing a new offensive against Yemen’s Houthis, potentially within weeks, aimed mainly at retaking the Bab el-Mandeb strait and restoring Red Sea shipping.

More than 100,000 Yemeni troops could be mobilized, with Saudi air support. Riyadh is considering either a limited coastal assault or a broader multi-front offensive across Yemen.

The U.S. is providing intelligence and military advisers but is not expected to join combat directly.

Pakistan has deployed 30,000–40,000 troops inside Saudi Arabia to help defend against Houthi missile and drone attacks.

Riyadh believes peace talks cannot resume while the Houthis control Bab el-Mandeb.

Source: Reuters