Reuters, citing Pakistani, regional and Western officials, reported that four Pakistani cargo planes carrying military equipment arrived in Aden last month, as Saudi Arabia prepares for a possible military operation against the Houthi militia in Yemen.

According to the officials, the Pakistani shipments included air-defense systems, light artillery, drones and counter-drone systems, as part of military support for Yemeni forces and preparations currently underway.

A Pakistani official, a Gulf official and a Western diplomat said that Pakistani military advisers are on the ground alongside Saudi advisers to support Yemeni forces. Reuters also reported that Turkish-made drones previously purchased by Saudi Arabia have been deployed over Yemen.

At the same time, Riyadh is focusing on strengthening the protection of its oil facilities and other critical infrastructure against possible Houthi missile and drone attacks in response to any new military operation. According to the sources, Saudi Arabia has asked several allies to help provide additional defensive capabilities.

A Pakistani official said Islamabad has deployed between 30,000 and 40,000 troops in Saudi Arabia to help protect the kingdom’s land borders and assist in intercepting missiles and drones. He said the troops began arriving in stages last year, with deployments continuing following the latest escalation.

The official stressed, however, that Islamabad has not decided to send Pakistani troops into Yemen to participate directly in combat operations.

Reuters also reported that France plans to send defensive systems and troops to Saudi Arabia to help protect the Red Sea coastal city of Yanbu.

These developments come as Saudi Arabia is reportedly preparing for a potential multi-front military operation against the Houthi militia, which could begin within the coming weeks. Yemeni forces operating under Saudi supervision are expected to lead the ground campaign, backed by Saudi air support.

According to the report, Riyadh is considering two main options. The first is a limited operation around the Bab al-Mandab Strait aimed at securing the Red Sea shipping route. The second is a broader offensive involving simultaneous operations on several fronts in Taiz, Marib, Al-Bayda and Al-Jawf.

Officials cited by Reuters estimate that more than 100,000 Yemeni fighters could be mobilized for the operation, depending on its final scale and scope.

Sources said one of the main objectives of the potential military campaign would be to reverse gains made by the Houthi militia along the coast last month, retake areas linked to the Bab al-Mandab Strait and secure the strategically vital maritime passage.

According to the report, Saudi Arabia’s allies are not expected to participate directly in combat. However, the United States is reportedly providing intelligence support for Saudi operations, while regional and European countries are supplying military and defensive assistance.