Yemeni forces launch offensive against Houthis near strategic strait and claim initial successes

Forces of the internationally recognized government of Yemen have launched a large-scale offensive against the Houthis and claimed the recapture of key positions in the area of the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The operation is a continuation of the previously announced transition from preparation to active combat aimed at retaking lost territories.

Yemen's state news agency SABA reported that units of the Nation's Shield Forces and Giants Brigades, with support from other government forces, advanced in the Dhubab area in the west of Taiz province. According to the military, they seized strategic positions near Bab el-Mandeb and cut off some of the Houthi supply routes.

Separately, SABA, citing a spokesman for the Yemeni armed forces, reported the start of Operation 'Dawn of Yemen'. Government forces claimed control over the Dhubab airstrip and the cutting of the road between Dhubab and Mocha.

According to The National, the ground offensive is receiving extensive air support from the Saudi-led coalition. Coalition spokesman Turki al-Maliki said that around 100 fighter jets are involved in the operation, providing support to Yemeni forces and cover for the Bab el-Mandeb area.

Yemeni military also claimed the encirclement of some Houthi forces in the Dhubab area. Meanwhile, The National notes that these reports about the situation on the battlefield have not yet been independently confirmed by the Houthis.

Al Jazeera reports that the offensive continued along the Red Sea coast. Government forces claimed the recapture of the port city of Mocha, which the Houthis had seized during their offensive in September. The outlet also emphasizes that it cannot independently verify the claims of the parties about the course of hostilities.

Bab el-Mandeb connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and is one of the key maritime routes for global trade and energy shipments. Control over the strait area has gained particular importance after the new escalation of the war in Yemen and the resumption of active combat on the western coast.

Based on materials from: SABA, The National, Al Jazeera.