Yemen's government has launched a significant offensive aimed at retaking all territory held by the Houthis. Pro-government forces, backed by Saudi Arabia, claim to have "secured" the Bab al-Mandab Strait as part of this operation.
Offensive Details
A Yemeni military spokesman reported that the Giants Brigades and National Shield forces are currently besieging Houthi fighters in the Red Sea coastal town of Dhubab, which overlooks this strategic waterway. These forces have reportedly taken control of the local airport and cut off the road to the port city of Mokha.
Houthi-run media, however, have denied any advances by government forces in the Dhubab area. The Yemeni government has also announced that operations are underway on several other fronts, including the capital Sanaa, which has been under Houthi control since the onset of the civil war 12 years ago.
Saudi-Led Coalition Support
In support of the offensive, a Saudi-led military coalition has stated that its fighter jets have destroyed over 300 "high-value" targets. On Sunday, the head of Yemen's internationally recognized Presidential Leadership Council, Rashad al-Alimi, declared the start of this offensive, emphasizing that all opportunities for de-escalation had been exhausted. He urged all armed forces and military formations to commence their missions according to the approved plans until the country is liberated from the Houthi militia.
