Yemeni Council Announces Plan to Retake Capital from Ansarullah

SANAA, Yemen — Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council has officially decided to launch a military operation to retake the capital city of Sana'a from Ansarullah forces, marking a significant escalation in the country's protracted conflict. The declaration was made on Sunday by Sameer al-Sabri, the Council's Deputy Defense Minister, who stated that the move is necessary to end the war after the militia initiated hostilities.

Al-Sabri addressed the announcement at a press briefing in Aden, the seat of the internationally recognized government, outlining the strategic objective as the restoration of state authority over the capital. He emphasized that the decision follows a comprehensive assessment of current military capabilities and regional alliances. The Council framed the offensive as a definitive step toward concluding years of instability, asserting that Ansarullah's continued control of Sana'a has perpetuated violence and hindered humanitarian access.

The conflict in Yemen has persisted for over a decade, with Ansarullah, also known as the Houthis, seizing control of Sana'a in 2014. Since then, the group has governed the north while the Presidential Leadership Council, backed by a Saudi-led coalition and international partners, has administered the south. Despite various ceasefires and diplomatic initiatives, fighting has continued intermittently, causing one of the world's worst humanitarian crises.

Ansarullah leadership has not yet issued an official response to the specific timeline or scope of the planned operation. However, the group has historically rejected external military interventions in Sana'a, viewing them as violations of Yemeni sovereignty. In recent weeks, Ansarullah commanders have reinforced defensive positions around the capital and neighboring governorates, signaling readiness for renewed combat.

Military analysts note that retaking Sana'a would require a complex urban warfare campaign involving air support, ground maneuvers, and coordination with local tribal forces. The city's dense population and rugged terrain present significant logistical challenges for any advancing force. Furthermore, the potential for civilian casualties remains a primary concern for international aid organizations operating in the region.

The announcement comes amid shifting dynamics in the Middle East, where regional powers are increasingly engaged in diplomatic efforts to stabilize Yemen. While the Council has not specified an exact start date for the offensive, al-Sabri indicated that preparations are already underway and that the operation could commence within days if conditions permit.

Questions remain regarding the immediate reaction of Ansarullah and whether neighboring countries will intervene to prevent further bloodshed. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, with calls for restraint echoing from global capitals. As tensions rise in Sana'a, the prospect of a renewed large-scale conflict looms, leaving the fate of millions of Yemenis hanging in the balance.