Fighting increases in Yemen as Houthis look to al-Mandab Strait as potential pressure point
The Houthis could still threaten the key Bab al-Mandeb Strait at the entrance to the Red Sea to reduce pressure on Iran.
Reports from Yemen indicate that government forces have made limited gains against the Houthis. The Houthis have controlled a significant portion of Yemen since 2015, and have expanded their influence over the past decade. They have also launched attacks on Saudi Arabia, Israel, and other nations. Iran supports the Houthis, though they have limited financial resources, which could result in setbacks for the group.
The Houthis may attempt to use the Bab al-Mandab Strait as a pressure point to alleviate tensions with Iran. The current situation is uncertain, as both sides are increasing their attacks. Regional media, such as SANA in Syria and Al-Arabiya, report that Yemeni government forces have taken control of the Hays district in Hodeidah province and advanced into Taiz and Al-Jawf.
Houthi forces have fired three ballistic missiles at Taiz city. Yemeni military sources claim that government forces secured the remaining rural areas of Hays on Saturday evening. The Yemeni government is currently combating Houthi attacks, targeting Houthi fighters in Al-Jawf. Al-Arabiya also reports ongoing clashes in Taiz province, with the government capturing several positions during battles with Houthi forces.
The Houthi advance could threaten the Bab al-Mandab Strait, potentially increasing pressure on international forces. The overall situation in Yemen remains volatile, with clashes occurring in multiple regions near the coast and Saudi Arabia.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 1 other outlet
- More than 300 killed amid renewed fighting in Yemen middleeasteye.net
