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Houthis may meet their match as Yemen slips back into civil war

Responsible Statecraft • August 20, 2026 • world

Key Points:

Since the 2022 truce, Yemen's front lines have remained largely static, but the nature of the conflict is evolving with increased use of ballistic missiles and drones targeting areas beyond established positions.
Forces aligned with the internationally recognized, Saudi-backed government are adopting a more aggressive stance in response to infiltrations and military buildups.
Yemen's political leadership is signaling a shift toward retaliatory measures, indicating that attacks will no longer be tolerated without response.
These developments suggest the end of Yemen's prolonged "no war, no peace" period, with the potential for a gradual return to active conflict through intensified long-range strikes and reinforced military positions.