Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces have seized key positions around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait as part of an offensive aimed at pushing Houthi forces away from the strategic waterway, according to Yemeni military and government sources.
The forces captured large parts of the Dhubab district overlooking the strait, including a key airstrip, with heavy air support from a Saudi-led coalition. Yemeni authorities have said they have secured effective control of the strategic area, although fighting continues and Houthi-linked sources have disputed the extent of the government forces’ gains.
Bab el-Mandeb is a critical maritime chokepoint connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and is an important route for international shipping and energy trade. Recent fighting around the waterway has raised concerns over the security of commercial vessels and potential disruption to global trade flows.
The latest offensive follows Houthi advances in the area last month. Saudi-backed government forces are seeking to reverse those gains and restore control over coastal territory near the strait.
Any sustained change in control around Bab el-Mandeb could have implications for shipping operators, freight rates, insurance costs and energy markets, particularly given wider disruptions affecting other major Middle Eastern maritime routes.