Yemeni government forces drive Houthis from Bab el-Mandeb Strait

Live updates

1. 2h ago

   Yemeni Forces Push Houthis From Bab el-Mandeb

   Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces have advanced to recapture the Red Sea coast around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait up to Mocha, driving Iran-backed Houthi rebels from most areas seized the previous month. In retaliation, Houthi forces launched missile and drone attacks targeting locations in Saudi Arabia, including King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, an Aramco refinery in Rabigh, Abha international airport, and the Khamis Mushait military base, while also striking near the runway at Aden International Airport.

   Why it matters

   The strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait serves as a vital shipping lane for international trade and global oil supplies. The military offensive draws regional powers deeper into the conflict as Saudi-led coalition fighter jets provide air support for ground troops pushing to secure the coastal corridor.

   What is confirmed

   • Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces staged a lightning advance on Monday to retake the coast around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait up to Mocha.
   • The offensive pushed the Iran-backed Houthis out of most of the areas they seized the previous month.
   • In response to the offensive, the Houthis reported attacking the King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, an Aramco refinery in Rabigh, the Abha international airport, and the Khamis Mushait military base.
   • Yemeni officials stated that Houthi missiles and drones targeted Aden International Airport, with one landing near the runway.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Attacks on Saudi airports claimed by Houthi rebels killed three people.

   What to watch next

   • Further ground clashes around the hills above the Bab el-Mandeb Strait
   • Additional retaliatory strikes or defense responses involving Saudi-led coalition air forces
   Sources used for this update (31)

   1. Al Jazeera — Iran war live: Yemen fighting intensifies; Tehran says ready for US attacks
   2. Reuters — Yemeni government forces seize district by Bab el-Mandeb, military sources say
   3. apnews.com — A Saudi-led coalition says its fighter jets are bombing Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels
   4. Fox News — Middle East oil supply looms over midterms, while Yemen seeks to root out Houthis
   5. BBC — Yemeni government forces say they have 'secured' Bab al-Mandab Strait
   6. The New York Times — Saudi and Yemeni Forces Attack to Retake Control of Red Sea Coast
   7. The New York Times — Why Saudi Arabia’s Last War in Yemen Turned Into a Quagmire
   8. pbs.org — Saudi-backed coalition forces Houthis from several areas around key strait, Yemeni officials say
   9. theguardian.com — Saudi-backed forces recapture key areas around strait from Houthis in Yemen
   10. WSJ — Saudi-Backed Forces Launch Fight to Free Bab al-Mandeb from Houthis
   11. The Times of Israel — Saudi-backed Yemeni forces expel Houthis from areas around key strait: officials
   12. The Times of Israel — Saudi-led coalition says it’s carrying out military operation in Yemen’s Hodeidah
   confidence 95%