On 5 October 2026, the Yemeni Armed Forces, under the leadership of the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) backed by Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan launched a large scale counter-offensive against the Houthi rebels in Yemen, aimed at retaking areas of the country under their control, including the capital Sanaa.
Background See also: 2026 Yemen offensives
Following a UN-backed ceasefire in 2022 and the dissolution of the Southern Transitional Council following the 2025-26 South Yemen Campaign, fighting between the internationally-recognized PLC government and Houthi-led Supreme Political Council (SPC) in Yemen ceased until July 2026, when fighting erupted once again as part of a broader escalation in regional tensions following the outbreak of the Iran war. On 3 September, the Houthis launched Operation God Is Stronger In Might and More Severe In Punishment, making rapid advances over western Yemen and claiming control over Yemen's entire Red Sea coast, including Perim Island and al-Omari Camp by 11 September after Yemeni government forces had withdrawn from the area.
Offensive
October 5 On 5 October, officials of the PLC announced the start of Operation Dawn of Yemen, aimed at countering the recent Houthi offensive and ending Houthi control of Yemen; initial objectives were stated to be the retaking of strategic positions along the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the beginning of a strategic advance towards the Houthi capital of Sanaa. Around 100 Saudi aircraft were supporting the operation, striking hundreds of Houthi targets in the opening day.
The PLC claimed it recaptured much of the district of Dhubab and its airport, severed the road from Dhubab to Mokha, and have reestablished control over the Bab el-Mandeb Strait; conflicting reports between the Yemeni Defense Ministry and other PLC officials over whether Mokha had been taken began to arise, while Houthi forces denied that any gains were made.
Houthi forces claimed that the PLC-held city of Taiz had been encircled, while PLC officials denied the claim. Houthi forces also claimed responsibility the same day for attacks on King Khalid International Aiport, Abha International Airport, King Khalid Air Base, and the Petro Rabigh Refinery.
Activation of Mecca Agreement Also on 5 October, representatives from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey, which included all three nations’ defense and foreign ministers, held an emergency meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and announced that deterrence measures under the protocol of the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement would be implemented, involving a rapid deployment of forces from all three nations to the region in order to counter Houthi forces.
October 6 On 6 October, PLC forces continued to report attacks against Houthi forces around the Bab al-Mandeb Strait area; strikes were reported in Marib and PLC units continued resistance against the encirclement of Taiz, advancing in the mountains of Hayfan overlooking Taiz. The Southern Giants Brigade reportedly repelled a Houthi advance in the Dhubab district. Additional Houthi strikes were reported at King Abdullah International and Najran Regional Airports, while Saudi forces reported the interception of a Houthi missile aimed at Khamis Mushait.
See also 2026 Yemen offensives
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