Saudi Arabia is preparing for a major military operation against Yemen’s Houthi rebels to break a blockade on its oil exports in the southern Red Sea, Yemeni sources said. The operation could be conducted by sea in central Yemen and, if possible, by land. Saudi forces have been seen withdrawing from eastern Yemen, a move believed to be linked to preparations for a ground operation.

Riyadh is also stepping up efforts to form a multinational naval coalition to protect commercial shipping in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait. Saudi Arabia’s Defence Ministry said on Thursday that 14 countries, including Bangladesh, Turkey, Pakistan, Egypt, Sudan and Djibouti, backed the proposal in a joint statement. Riyadh has invited the United States, Britain, Germany, France and Italy to join.

The Houthis announced a maritime blockade against Saudi ships on July 20 and said they would lift it only if Saudi Arabia ended its blockade on Yemen. Yemeni sources said Saudi forces are gathering to retake al-Bayda province, seized by the Houthis in 2020-21. A deal mediated by Oman and Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz could reduce tensions in Yemen, according to the report.