Saudi-backed Yemeni forces expel Houthi rebels from several areas around key strait, officials say

Aden, Yemen - The Saudi-backed coalition battling in Yemen has reclaimed several key regions surrounding the strategically important Bab el-Mandeb Strait from Iranian-supported Houthi rebels, according to Yemeni officials on Monday. Meanwhile, the Houthis reported launching attacks on Saudi oil facilities, airports, and military bases as hostilities intensified along Yemen's western coastline.

Yemeni officials stated that forces aligned with the internationally recognized government recaptured the critical town of Dhubab north of the strait, a vital shipping corridor connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. They also took control of the towns of Bab and Hadeid, sources said, speaking anonymously due to lacking official authorization for media interviews.

Witnesses observed government tanks and troops entering the towns. The government's advance was part of a broad offensive initiated early Monday, backed by air support from the Saudi-led military coalition. Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, the Houthi military spokesman, asserted in a pre-recorded statement that the rebels employed ballistic and cruise missiles and drones in assaults targeting King Khali.