Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council chairman announces operations to retake Houthi-held areas

4 October 2026

Rashad al-Alimi, chairman of Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council, announced on 4 October 2026 the launch of military operations to retake territory held by the Houthi group.
He said the country was "embarking on a decisive phase in the history of our nation".
He also said the operations were "not a war against our people in Sanaa, Hodeidah, and Sa'ada".
Armed forces spokesman Colonel Majid al-Nuzaili offered an amnesty to Houthi fighters who break away.
Al-Alimi praised Saudi Arabia's backing and appealed for wider international support.
The Houthi group calls itself Ansar Allah and holds the capital Sanaa and the Red Sea port of Hodeidah.