Yemeni government forces advance to secure strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait
Yemeni pro-government forces backed by a Saudi coalition have advanced to secure positions around the strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait following a counter-offensive against Houthi fighters.
Yemeni government forces, supported by a Saudi-led coalition, have pushed forward to claim control of key territory around the strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait. Military officials reported that ground units, including the Giants Brigades and National Shield forces, took over Dhubab district and its airport, encircling remaining Houthi fighters in the coastal region.
The offensive follows a broader counter-push aimed at reversing recent territorial gains by the Iran-backed Houthi movement along the Red Sea maritime corridor. The military campaign, reportedly supported by extensive coalition airstrikes, seeks to ensure safe passage through the vital commercial shipping lane. Meanwhile, Houthi forces claimed to have conducted retaliatory strikes targeting infrastructure in Riyadh. International defense arrangements have also reportedly expanded, with Pakistan and Turkey agreeing to send troops to support Saudi Arabia's security 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