The Houthis were mistaken in assuming that Yemenis would eventually accept their rule and that whatever they had seized by force would remain theirs, no matter how long the war dragged on. With the launch of Operation Dawn of Yemen, they now confront a government moving to reclaim territory and state institutions, with extensive backing from the Saudi-led coalition.
This comes after years of attempts to reach a settlement, to which the Houthis responded with further escalation. More importantly, those directing the operation stated its objective from the outset: to liberate occupied areas and advance all the way to Sanaa. For Yemenis, that clarity matters. After a long wait marked by successive rounds of fighting and promises of peace, they want to know where their leaders are taking them.
Dawn of Yemen is a dual air and ground campaign that is targeting Houthi weapons depots, fortifications, and supply lines as troops advance to secure high ground and key roads. This gradual approach is far more effective than rushing to liberate cities in one fell sweep. Forces that move forward without securing their rear may simply find themselves fighting for the same ground again. It aims to first weaken militia defences, then breach them, secure positions and only then widen the offensive.
Commanders are also making use of cooperation between the Giants Brigades, the Nation’s Shield Forces and government troops on these fronts, dividing responsibilities and drawing on the fighters’ experience instead of allowing each formation to advance on its own. This kind of operation depends on coordination, discipline and continued support, not on a headlong advance that runs out of momentum at the first obstacle.
