Saudi Arabia is planning a major offensive against Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen to retake the Bab el-Mandeb strait, Reuters reported, citing six Gulf and Yemeni officials and Western diplomats.

The operation is expected in the coming weeks. It would be led by Yemeni ground forces overseen by Riyadh, with Saudi air strikes in support. More than 100,000 Yemeni troops could be mobilised, depending on the scale.

The Saudis are weighing two options: a narrow attack around Bab el-Mandeb, or a broader offensive with synchronised attacks in the governorates of Al-Bayda, Marib, Taiz and Al-Jawf.

A key objective is to reverse Houthi gains made last month, when the group advanced down the coast and seized the port of Mokha and Perim Island, taking control of the strait. Bab el-Mandeb is the Red Sea’s southern gateway and a critical shipping lane.

The United States is providing intelligence and targeting support but is not expected to take direct combat action, officials said. Saudi, Yemeni, Houthi and US spokespeople did not immediately respond to Reuters.