Operation Decisive Storm

Saudi history

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July 22, 2026

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Operation Decisive Storm was a military intervention led by Saudi Arabia in Yemen, beginning in March 2015. The operation aimed to repel Houthi rebels who were advancing on Aden and to support the government of Yemeni President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi. Saudi-led air strikes and later the deployment of coalition troops helped pro-Hadi forces regain control of Aden and much of southern Yemen. However, dislodging the Houthi fighters from northern Yemen, including the capital Sanaa, proved difficult, leading to a prolonged stalemate and a severe humanitarian crisis. The intervention was part of Saudi Arabia's broader foreign policy under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who sought to counter Iranian influence in the region. The conflict has resulted in significant civilian casualties and damage to Yemen's infrastructure.12

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Mohammed bin Salman
In charge of defense and economic policy
Known as Operation Decisive Storm, the campaign intended to give the government of Yemeni Pres. Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi a decisive advantage against the Shiʿi Houthi insurgency in the north of the country. It was thought that a Houthi victory might give Iran, Saudi Arabia’s main regional…
Read More
Known as Operation Decisive Storm, the campaign intended to give the government of Yemeni Pres. Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi a decisive advantage against the Shiʿi Houthi insurgency in the north of the country. It was thought that a Houthi victory might give Iran, Saudi Arabia’s main regional…
Read More