Yemeni government forces advance to secure strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait
Saudi-backed Yemeni forces have launched a counter-offensive to retake key areas near the Bab al-Mandab Strait from Houthi fighters.
Yemeni pro-government forces, supported by a Saudi-led coalition, have advanced to retake key positions along the Bab al-Mandab Strait from Iran-backed Houthi rebels. Military officials confirmed that ground units, including the Giants Brigades and National Shield forces, captured significant portions of the Dhubab district and besieged remaining insurgent positions along the Red Sea coast.
The counter-offensive, dubbed Operation Yemen Dawn, utilized extensive Saudi air support to secure the critical shipping corridor. Military spokespersons stated that the waterway has been "secured" following the capture of local infrastructure, including Dhubab's airport. In response, Houthi forces claimed retaliatory strikes targeting Saudi military installations, oil facilities, and Riyadh's international airport. Reports also indicate that Turkey and Pakistan agreed to deploy troops to bolster Saudi Arabia's 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, 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
- Oct 10, 2026, 09:00 PM UTCYemeni government forces advance to secure strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait