Bangladesh, Oct. 6 -- Yemen is entering another decisive phase in its long and devastating conflict, with President Rashad Al-Alimi declaring that the countrys legitimate authorities will move toward military action aimed at restoring state control over territory still held by the Houthi movement. The announcement comes after repeated efforts to reduce tensions and bring the Houthis into a political process failed to produce a lasting settlement.

According to Al-Alimi, the government had exhausted the available opportunities for de-escalation. Instead of responding to calls for dialogue, the Houthis continued their military escalation, deepening the suffering of Yemenis and contributing to insecurity beyond Yemens borders. Their actions ...