Saudi Arabia appears to be preparing a new ground campaign against the Iran-backed Houthis, centered on the strategic Al-Jawf province along the Saudi border.

Eight anti-Houthi groups from Al-Jawf are reportedly already being trained, armed and financed by the Saudis. The province is considered one of the most important military corridors in the Yemen war because of its proximity to Marib, Sanaa and Saudi Arabia’s southern frontier.

The likely objective is to retake Houthi-controlled territory in Al-Jawf and reduce pressure on Saudi border regions. Any offensive could expand from Al-Jawf toward Marib and then deeper into Houthi-held territory.