Yemen slips back into full-scale war as government launches major offensive
The UN special envoy says Yemen has reverted to full-scale war as government forces push a new offensive against Iran-backed Houthi fighters.
Fighting in Yemen has intensified, with the internationally recognised government launching an operation called “Dawn of Yemen” to retake the strategic Bab al-Mandeb strait and other Houthi-controlled territories. Government forces claim to have carried out over 2,750 precision strikes in the past day, neutralising more than 1,400 Houthi fighters and seizing key positions around Mocha and Dubhab. The Houthis have responded with missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia, including a strike that killed three Saudi citizens at Riyadh airport.
The United Nations estimates at least 46 civilians have been killed and over 130 injured since August, and the IOM says more than 200,000 people have been displaced. UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg told the Security Council that Yemen has slid back into full-scale war and urged renewed diplomatic efforts. The United States also called on the Houthis to cease attacks and demanded Iran end its support for the group.
Why it matters
Escalating war threatens regional shipping lanes and deepens the humanitarian crisis for millions of Yemenis.
How this story developed
- Oct 3 Fire and thick smoke reported near Saudi Aramco site in Riyadh
- Oct 5 Saudi-backed Yemeni forces have taken large parts of the Dhubab district overlooking Bab el-Mandeb, with coalition air support, after months of fighting against Iran-backed Houthis.
- Oct 6 The Saudi‑led coalition said its navy struck weapons caches and naval mines in Hodeida.
- Oct 6 Turkey and Pakistan have moved forces to Saudi Arabia under the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement after an emergency meeting in Riyadh.
- Oct 6 Missile and drone attacks hit King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz International Airport and Najran International Airport, injuring three people and causing limited damage.
- Oct 7 Government‑aligned troops announced the seizure of the highest summit in Jabal Habashi district, Taiz.
- Oct 7 Pakistani Lieutenant General Nauman Mahmud was appointed the pact’s inaugural secretary‑general.
- Oct 7 Houthis launched missiles at Aden International Airport, causing no casualties.
- Oct 8 Saudi-led coalition announced a comprehensive operation that destroyed dozens of Houthi military sites in Yemen.
- Oct 8 Airlines such as Air India, Air India Express, Lufthansa and IndiGo suspended Riyadh flights until early October.
- Oct 9 Latest statements shift the focus from reported troop deployments to an assessment of defensive equipment assistance.
- Oct 9 Lufthansa announced it will pause its Riyadh flights.
- Oct 9 Death toll confirmed at three Saudi nationals.
- Oct 10 An emergency session on Oct 5 invoked the collective‑defence clause, allowing Turkey and Pakistan to consider dispatching forces to Saudi Arabia.
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