In Other News · United States

Source: Axios

Yemeni government forces backed by Saudi Arabia launched a counteroffensive against the Houthis on Sunday in an effort to win back territory from the rebel group, the head of Yemen's presidential council said in a speech. "We have exhausted all opportunities for deescalation with the Houthi militias," Rashad al-Alimi said.Why it matters: One of the key objectives of the operation is to regain control over the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a vital artery for global trade and Saudi oil exports. When the Houthis took over territory on the Red Sea coast close to the strait, it gave them — and Iran, which backs them — powerful leverage over the U.S., its Gulf allies and the world economy.Despite pleas from Saudi Arabia, the U.S. is not getting involved in direct combat against the Houthis for now. It is providing intelligence and targeting support, U.S. officials say. Driving the news: The counteroffensive has been planned for many weeks by Yemen's internationally recognized government and Saudi Arabia.Tens of thousands of ground troops loyal to the Yemeni government are participating. The Saudi military is mainly providing air cover for Yemeni forces and conducting airstrikes against Houthi targets. The goal is to retake the Yemeni capital...