Houthis escalate military operations on Yemen’s fronts amid global focus on Gaza ceasefire

The Iran-backed Houthis escalated attacks on several Yemeni fronts, coinciding with the implementation of the truce between Hamas and Israel on January 19 and the international community’s preoccupation with recent developments.

Government forces engaged in clashes over the past hours with hostile operations launched by the Houthis in the Al-Kasara, Al-Mashjah, and Madghal areas of Marib. Field military sources told Khabar Agency.

The Iran-backed militia used artillery, Katyusha rockets, and snipers, injuring four government soldiers before the latter retaliated by targeting the sources of fire in accordance with military protocols. The sources added.

In the Al-Faliha sector, government forces targeted a combat vehicle used by the militia to attack army positions, successfully disabling it and silencing the sources of fire.

In Raghwan area, government forces struck a Houthi site in response to hostile actions, with sources confirming precise hits that wounded three Houthi militants and destroyed their firing positions.

As the Gaza ceasefire took effect—leading to a multi-day prisoner exchange deal—the Houthi militia intensified military operations across Yemeni fronts, blatantly exploiting the international community’s focus on Gaza to gain local territorial advantages.

In this context, military analysts told Khabar Agency that the Houthis anticipate U.S. escalation following U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to designate the group as a "terrorist organization" due to their Red Sea provocations.

Analysts predicted additional Houthi escalation in the coming days, particularly as field reports confirm the militia continues mobilizing forces in Yemeni villages and remote areas in preparation for a large-scale battle.