Yemen forces say they seized control of Bab al-Mandeb

Yemeni government forces announced on Monday that they had gained control of key positions around the Bab Al Mandeb strait and Dhubab area, according to a Saudi-led coalition spokesman. The coalition disclosed that 100 fighter jets were participating in an offensive against Houthi rebels in the region. The spokesman, Maj Gen Turki Al Malki, confirmed that the alliance was providing air support to Yemeni forces on the ground and ensuring air cover for the Bab Al Mandeb strait, with ongoing operations targeting moving threats.

The Yemeni forces also initiated a "strategic offensive" in the Houthi-occupied capital, Sanaa, according to their spokesman, Col Majed Al Nuzaili. He emphasized that the Yemeni armed forces were employing advanced tactics. Al Masirah TV, a Houthi-run media outlet, confirmed the attacks on Sanaa. Col Al Nuzaili reported that government forces executed a flanking maneuver to secure the crucial Bab Al Mandeb strait, with the Giants Brigades and Nation's Shield Forces taking control of the strategic location.

Additionally, government forces captured Dhubab airport, obstructing the road linking Dhubab with Mokha, thereby securing the route. The Houthi-controlled area of Dhubab witnessed a large number of fighters surrounded, who were urged to surrender; some fighters reportedly fled by boat. These claims have not yet been independently verified and have not been confirmed by the Houthis.

The current developments followed the announcement by Rashad Al Alimi, the head of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council, who announced the launch of Operation Yemen Dawn. Al Alimi stated that the operation aimed to restore state institutions, retake Sanaa, and put an end to the Houthi "coup." He expressed confidence in Yemen's future, stating, "With God's aid, the will of our people, the valour of our armed forces and all military formations, and the support of our brothers and friends, Yemen will march towards a new dawn of freedom, peace and stability."

The Saudi-backed Yemeni government launched the offensive on Sunday to reclaim territory from the Iran-aligned Houthis. The coalition stated that its air operations were ongoing, including strikes against moving targets. The Yemen conflict began when the Houthis seized the capital Sanaa in 2014, prompting a Saudi-led coalition intervention the following year to restore the government and remove the rebel group.

The fighting soon became a bloody stalemate, resulting in a major humanitarian crisis in the already poorest Arab state. A ceasefire agreed upon in 2022 largely held until this summer. Saudi Arabia, which provides arms and training to Yemeni government forces, is supporting the current military campaign with air power and has sought logistical assistance from allies to push back the Houthis, restore free traffic in the Red Sea, and end the group's attacks on its territory.