Yemeni government forces advance to secure Bab al-Mandab Strait
Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces have launched a major offensive to reclaim key positions around the Bab al-Mandab Strait from Houthi fighters.
Pro-government forces in Yemen, supported by a Saudi-led military coalition, have launched a counter-offensive code-named operation Yemen Dawn to push back Houthi rebels from the strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait.
Ground units, including the Giants Brigades and National Shield forces, took control of key positions in the Dhubab district and its airport, besieging remaining Houthi positions along the Red Sea coast. Military spokespersons stated that troops have "secured" the vital shipping lane following operations supported by around 100 coalition aircraft. In response, Houthi fighters claimed to have launched retaliatory strikes targeting Riyadh's international airport, oil refineries, and military bases. Meanwhile, reports indicate Turkey and Pakistan agreed to send troops to support Saudi Arabia.
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, 03:00 AM UTCYemeni pro-government forces claim control of strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait
- Oct 10, 2026, 09:00 PM UTCYemeni government forces advance to secure strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait