Offering a last chance for peace, Ibn Saud issued an ultimatum to Imam Yahya. He proposed terms for the resolution of the border disputes between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Yemen but warned that, if the terms were not accepted, war would ensue. The deadline for the ultimatum expired and Ibn Saud ordered a two-pronged attack to be led by his sons, Crown Prince Saud and Prince Faisal. Crown Prince Saud was to attack the mountain strongholds of north Yemen from Najran, while Prince Faisal was to work his way south down the Tihama coast.

Crown Prince Saud set out from Najran to attack the north east of Yemen. He met strong resistance in the mountains where Yemeni tribesmen, on their home ground, were able to impede progress of the Saudi forces unused to the difficulties which mountain passes pose for an army on the march.

Meanwhile, Prince Faisal set out from Jizan and drove his way south. An enemy force, based at the town of Harad blocked his path but in the ensuing battle, the Saudi troops were victorious and Prince Faisal was able to march with all speed down the western coast of the Yemen towards Al-Hudaidah.

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