Saudi backed Yemeni government forces have captured key positions overlooking the Bab el Mandeb Strait as they push to reverse recent advances by Iran backed Houthi forces, military and government sources said on Monday.
Government troops have taken large parts of Dhubab district, which overlooks the strategic waterway, and are moving to establish full control with heavy air support from a Saudi led coalition.
The offensive comes after weeks of renewed fighting across several frontlines in Yemen. The conflict escalated following the US Iran war, with the Houthis seeking control of the Bab el Mandeb Strait and launching missile and drone attacks against Saudi targets.
The fighting has raised concerns over another major disruption to global energy supplies. Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz has already restricted Gulf energy exports, while instability around Bab el Mandeb threatens a second critical route for oil and commercial shipping.
Yemen’s internationally recognised government announced its offensive on Sunday to recover territory from the Houthis. President Rashad al Alimi said the campaign would continue until government forces regained control of the country.
Saudi Arabia, which supports and trains government forces, is providing air support and seeking assistance from allies to restore shipping through the Red Sea and prevent further Houthi attacks.
The heaviest fighting has been reported in southwestern Yemen, particularly around the Bab el Mandeb coast and the mountainous areas near Taiz. Houthi aligned media said the group had also pushed government forces out of al Mawasit district in Taiz province.
Yemen’s civil war began after the Houthis seized Sanaa in 2014, prompting a Saudi led military intervention the following year. A ceasefire reached in 2022 largely froze the main frontlines until fighting resumed this year.
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