Forces aligned with the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen have recaptured several key areas around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait from Iran-backed Houthi rebels, Yemeni officials stated on Monday. The officials, who spoke anonymously, said that forces allied with the internationally recognised government have retaken the crucial town of Dhubab, located just north of the strait, along with the towns of Bab and Hadeid. Witnesses reported seeing government tanks and forces entering these towns.
This government push is part of a major offensive that began early Monday, supported by air cover from a Saudi military coalition. The offensive aims to retake all territory currently held by the Houthis. However, this advance follows recent Houthi gains, including the reported capture of Turbah in south-western Yemen, which was described as a blow to Saudi-backed forces.
Major General Turki al-Malki, spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition, stated that 100 fighter jets are providing support to Yemen's internationally recognised government. He added that the coalition has secured "air protection" of the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait and has destroyed hundreds of Houthi targets as part of the ongoing campaign.
Separately, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed on Sunday that the group launched ballistic missiles and drones at Saudi energy company Aramco's sites in Riyadh and Khurais, reportedly causing large fires. These attacks were stated to be in response to what the Houthis claimed were 50 Saudi-led air and missile strikes in Yemen within the preceding 12 hours. Saudi Arabia has not immediately confirmed these attacks.