Yemeni government forces advance to secure Bab al-Mandab Strait
Saudi-backed Yemeni forces have taken strategic positions around the Bab al-Mandab Strait as part of Operation Yemen Dawn against Houthi fighters.
Yemeni pro-government forces, backed by a Saudi-led military coalition, have advanced to retake control of the Bab al-Mandab Strait from Houthi fighters. Units comprising the Giants Brigades and National Shield forces seized strategic positions in the Dhubab district, including its airport, encircling remaining rebel positions along the Red Sea coast. Military spokespersons stated that troops have "secured" the vital shipping corridor following extensive air operations.
The counter-offensive, designated as Operation Yemen Dawn, seeks to reverse recent Houthi territorial gains in the coastal area. In response to the offensive, Houthi forces claimed to have launched retaliatory strikes targeting Riyadh's international airport, oil refineries, and military bases inside Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, reports indicate that Turkey and Pakistan have agreed to send troops to support Saudi Arabia as regional military activity expands.
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 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
- Oct 10, 2026, 09:00 PM UTCYemeni government forces advance to secure strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait