“Holy Jihad War”: Yemen’s Houthi armed forces launched the “second military operation” against Israel overnight, and the war expanded

It comes just one day after Iran-backed groups formally intervened in the regional conflict. In a statement, it said it carried out its first military strike against an Israeli military target using a series of ballistic missiles, adding that the attack was coordinated with Iran and allied forces in Lebanon.Their involvement signals a broadening of the conflict beyond direct confrontation between Iran, the United States and Israel, raising fears of a multi-front war in the Middle East. The Houthis have vowed to continue operations until what they describe as “aggression” on all fronts, suggesting a continued escalation rather than a one-time intervention.At the same time, countries are increasing their military presence in the region. Thousands of Marines have begun arriving, with more expected to deploy, including troops from the 82nd Airborne Division. While U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said Washington hopes to complete the operation within weeks and can achieve its objectives without a ground war, the build-up is designed to provide maximum strategic flexibility, underscoring uncertainty about how the conflict will evolve.Diplomatic efforts appear to be struggling to keep pace with military developments. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has engaged in regional outreach, including talks with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, while Islamabad will hold discussions with the foreign ministers of Turkey and Saudi Arabia aimed at easing tensions. However, there are few signs that a breakthrough is imminent.The war, triggered by the United States and Israel’s attack on Iran in late February, has spread throughout the region, causing massive casualties and severely disrupting global energy supplies.