Yemeni government forces aligned with the internationally recognized Presidential Leadership Council launched Operation Dawn of Yemen in early October 2026, explicitly aimed at liberating Sanaa from Houthi control and restoring state institutions across Houthi-held territory. Saudi-led coalition airstrikes, involving around 100 jets striking hundreds of targets, have supported ground advances that reversed recent Houthi gains along the Red Sea coast near Bab al-Mandab and Mocha while opening fronts in Taiz, Marib, al-Jawf, and al-Bayda. Al-Jawf serves as a primary gateway to the capital, which the Houthis have held since 2014. Government spokesmen described the start of a strategic offensive toward Sanaa itself, though Houthi forces continue missile responses and defensive operations. Trader assessments of entry timelines center on the durability of this renewed Saudi-backed push amid multi-front fighting and Houthi resilience.