Saudi Arabia is gearing up for a major offensive against the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen, by sea and possibly including a ground operation, The Guardian reported Thursday.

According to the report, which cited Yemeni sources, Saudi forces have been seen withdrawing from the east of Yemen, in what could indicate preparation for a ground attack.

The report came after the Saudi defense ministry issued a joint statement with 13 other countries announcing a maritime defense alliance to secure navigation around the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

The alliance includes Bahrain, Bangladesh, Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Nigeria, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Turkey and Yemen. The Saudis have also asked the US, as well as several European countries, to join the alliance.

Saudi Arabia and the Houthis traded fire earlier this month for the first time in years, threatening a 2022 truce that has held despite expiring.

On July 20, the Houthis declared a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia, opening a new front against the US and its allies in........

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