The head of Yemen's internationally recognized government announced the start of a large-scale military campaign on Sunday to retake territory controlled by the Iran-backed Houthis.

In a televised address, Presidential Leadership Council Chairman Rashad al-Alimi stated that forces had been ordered to begin operations under an approved plan until the country is liberated from the Houthis. The announcement follows weeks of Houthi advances, including a lightning offensive last month that seized control of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and significant portions of the Red Sea coast.

Government forces conducted 257 precision strikes on Saturday against Houthi targets in areas including Sanaa, Saada, and near Taiz. Initial estimates indicated at least 700 Houthis were killed and 170 pieces of combat equipment destroyed, according to a military spokesman.

The Houthis have continued pressing gains in recent days, advancing on strategic positions near Taiz and cutting a key supply route linking the city to the government's interim capital in Aden. This has raised concerns of an effective siege on Taiz, Yemen's third-largest city.

The offensive comes amid broader regional tensions, with the Houthis claiming responsibility for attacks on Saudi Aramco facilities over the weekend in response to coalition airstrikes. Saudi Arabia has provided financial and military support to the Yemeni government throughout the conflict.

Al-Alimi emphasized that the operations aim to restore state authority across all national territory and address threats to civilians, neighboring countries, and international shipping lanes. The government has placed all state institutions on full alert.

The conflict has displaced millions and devastated Yemen's economy since 2014, with the Houthis controlling the capital Sanaa and much of the northwest. The latest escalation threatens further disruption to global trade routes through the Red Sea.