Forces allied with Yemen's internationally recognized government have successfully recaptured several key areas around the Bab al-Mandab Strait from Iran-backed Houthi rebels. This offensive, launched under air cover by a Saudi military coalition, aims to reclaim all territory held by the Houthis.
Key Developments
On Monday, Yemeni officials reported that government forces had retaken the crucial town of Dhubab, located just north of the strait. Additionally, they captured the towns of Bab and Hadeid. Witnesses observed government tanks and troops entering these towns as part of the ongoing military campaign.
The offensive began shortly after the Houthis announced their capture of more territory in southwestern Yemen, including the key town of Turbah, which posed a setback for Saudi-backed forces advancing towards the strategic provincial capital of Taiz, Yemen's third-largest city.
Military Support and Strategy
Maj Gen Turki al-Malki, spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition, stated that 100 fighter jets were providing support to the Yemeni government forces. He emphasized that the coalition had secured air protection over the Bab al-Mandab Strait and had destroyed hundreds of Houthi targets during the campaign.
Marco Rubio, a U.S. senator, indicated that the Saudi-backed government in Yemen was expected to retaliate against the Houthis to reclaim lost territory. When asked about coordination with the United States, the U.S. Secretary of State acknowledged a defense agreement but refrained from providing further details. He affirmed that the Yemeni government had the right to defend itself after being ousted from its territory by the Houthis.
