Government forces launched 81 attacks targeting Houthi positions across Yemen in the past 24 hours, a significant escalation that signals a potential return to full-scale war in the war-torn nation. The government announced the "neutralisation" of numerous Houthi fighters and commanders during these operations.

This surge in military activity follows a period of intensified fighting over the past month, with both sides reporting hundreds of operations. The current exchanges of fire and drone attacks span nearly the entire front line, raising concerns that a fragile UN-brokered truce, largely in effect since 2022, is collapsing.

Adding to the escalating tensions, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed responsibility for two drone attacks on Saudi Arabia's Najran province on Thursday. He stated that targets at Najran airport and an Aramco facility were "successfully" hit, though Saudi Arabia has not yet confirmed these reports. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, an ally of the Houthis, warned that Saudi Arabia would be "unable to contain" the escalating rebel attacks.

The implications of this renewed conflict are dire for Yemen's civilian population, with at least 18 million people already lacking reliable access to food. UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk has urged both warring parties to "spare the Yemeni people from further misery" and "halt immediately any actions that risk returning Yemen to full-scale conflict."

The conflict in Yemen began in 2014 when the Houthis seized control of much of the country, including the capital, Sanaa. This led to years of devastating warfare, with the internationally recognized government receiving backing from a Saudi-led coalition. The UN-brokered truce in 2022 offered a glimmer of hope for peace, but the recent military actions suggest this fragile ceasefire is in serious jeopardy.

Both the government, now based in Aden, and the Houthis have accused each other of attempting to impose blockades and disrupt vital economic activities, including oil exports. Reports indicate that both sides have also conducted missile and drone strikes on civilian infrastructure, such as ports and airports, located deep behind front lines.

The international community, including the UN, has been actively involved in mediation efforts to achieve a lasting peace. However, the latest round of attacks underscores the immense challenges faced in de-escalating the conflict and protecting civilians from further violence and humanitarian catastrophe.

Unresolved questions remain about the potential for a full-scale military offensive by either side and the ultimate impact on regional stability. The international response and the commitment of warring parties to de-escalation will be crucial in determining the future trajectory of Yemen's devastating conflict.