Yemeni Forces Claim Control of Key Strait in Houthi Offensive

Yemeni government forces, supported by Saudi Arabia, announced they have secured the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a vital maritime chokepoint, as part of a new offensive against the Iran-backed Houthi movement. A military spokesperson stated that Giants Brigades and National Shield forces are currently encircling Houthi fighters in the Red Sea coastal town of Dhubab, having seized its airport and severed the road leading to the port city of Mokha.

Houthi-run media, however, contested these claims, denying that government forces had made any significant advances in the Dhubab area. The government also indicated that operations have been initiated on multiple other fronts, including advances towards Sanaa, the capital captured by the Houthis at the outset of the civil war 12 years ago.

Supporting these operations, a Saudi-led military coalition reported that its fighter jets conducted strikes, destroying over 300 "high-value" targets. This escalation follows an announcement on Sunday by the head of Yemen's internationally recognized Presidential Leadership Council, Rashad al-Alimi, who declared the commencement of an offensive to reclaim all Houthi-held territories. Al-Alimi asserted that all avenues for de-escalation had been exhausted and urged all military and security forces to execute their assigned missions.

The offensive comes amidst heightened tensions, including reports that Houthi fighters had cut a mountain road near the southwestern city of Taiz, potentially isolating government forces and residents. In retaliation for Saudi airstrikes, Houthi forces stated they launched ballistic missiles and drones targeting Saudi Aramco oil facilities in Riyadh and Khurais.

Yemen has been embroiled in a civil war since 2014, escalating in 2015 when a Saudi-led coalition intervened to support the ousted government. A fragile informal ceasefire that began to unravel in July saw the Houthis declare a "maritime embargo" against Saudi Arabia and launch attacks on Saudi infrastructure. The Houthis cited a Saudi blockade of their ports and airports, along with an alleged Saudi airstrike on Sanaa airport, as justifications for their actions.

In recent months, Houthi forces launched an offensive along Yemen's southwestern Red Sea coast, capturing areas overlooking the Bab al-Mandab Strait, including Dhubab, Mokha, and Perim Island. While Houthi forces stated they posed no threat to international shipping, they vowed to continue targeting Saudi vessels.

The conflict has resulted in significant casualties and displacement. According to the Yemeni health ministry, at least 959 people have been killed and 5,000 injured since August 6. The United Nations reports that an additional 197,000 people have been displaced by the ongoing fighting.