Saudi-backed Yemeni forces advance to secure strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait
Yemeni government forces backed by Saudi Arabia have advanced to retake key positions around the strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait from Houthi rebels.
Yemeni pro-government forces, supported by a Saudi-led coalition, have advanced to secure key positions around the Bab al-Mandab Strait as part of a major counter-offensive against Houthi fighters. Ground units, including the Giants Brigades and National Shield forces, took control of the strategic Dhubab district and its airport, surrounding remaining rebel troops in the coastal town.
The operation, dubbed "Yemen Dawn", reportedly involved extensive Saudi airstrikes to reclaim vital territory along the Red Sea maritime route. In response, Houthi forces claimed strikes targeting infrastructure in Riyadh. Reports also indicate Turkey and Pakistan agreed to dispatch troops to Saudi Arabia to support defense efforts.
Sources: BBC News, Daily Sabah, Euronews Greece, France24, Tagesschau.
Sources
- BBC News — Yemeni government forces say they have 'secured' Bab al-Mandab Strait
- Daily Sabah — Saudi-backed Yemeni forces launch ops to retake Bab el-Mandeb
- Tagesschau — Regierungstruppen im Jemen melden Kontrolle über wichtige Meerenge
- Euronews Greece — Οι κυβερνητικές δυνάμεις της Υεμένης προελαύνουν προς το Μπαμπ ελ-Μαντέμπ σε επίθεση κατά των Χούθι
- France24 — Yemen says advancing against Houthis around key Bab al-Mandab strait
Earlier coverage
- Oct 16, 2026, 05:30 AM UTCRiyadh airport operations remain halted after second day of Houthi strikes
- Oct 15, 2026, 10:00 PM UTCHouthi strikes hit Riyadh airport for second day as operations remain suspended
- Oct 15, 2026, 04:00 AM UTCSaudi Arabia retaliates after Houthi attacks target Riyadh airport
- Oct 14, 2026, 05:00 PM UTCRiyadh airport struck by second missile as Houthi warnings escalate
- Oct 13, 2026, 02:30 AM UTCHouthi strikes target Riyadh airport as regional tensions escalate
- Oct 12, 2026, 08:30 AM UTCYemeni government forces advance to secure strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait
- Oct 12, 2026, 02:30 AM UTCYemeni government forces advance to secure Bab al-Mandab Strait
- Oct 11, 2026, 05:00 PM UTCYemeni government forces advance to secure Bab al-Mandab Strait
- Oct 11, 2026, 05:00 AM UTCYemeni government forces advance to secure Bab al-Mandab Strait
- Oct 11, 2026, 03:00 AM UTCYemeni pro-government forces claim control of strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait