Yemen government forces launch offensive against Houthis, advance towards Bab al-Mandeb
Forces of the internationally recognised Yemeni government say they have taken Dhubab district near the Bab al-Mandeb strait and several key positions.
Fighting against the Houthi rebels in Yemen has intensified once again. Forces of the internationally recognised Yemeni government have launched a major military operation. Government units claim they have taken control of Dhubab district, near the Bab al-Mandeb strait, and some key positions.
The operation is reportedly being carried out with air support from the Saudi-led coalition. The development has further raised tension on the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandeb, an important trade route.
According to the Yemeni forces, the Homeland Shield Forces and the Giants Brigades carried out the operation in the Dhubab area. They claim that Houthi positions were hit by air strikes and that some key routes and supply lines leading towards Bab al-Mandeb were cut. Government units have also begun a search operation to consolidate their hold on the area.
The situation in Mocha city is separate. In September the Houthis seized the key port city on the Red Sea coast. Mocha is close to Bab al-Mandeb, which gives it great strategic importance. For this reason, retaking Mocha and its surrounding area is considered essential for government units.
Bab al-Mandeb is a key sea route linking the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. It is of great importance for global trade and energy shipments, so the fighting in Yemen could have an impact beyond the country's borders.
The government units' new operation is reported to be receiving air support from the Saudi coalition. Meanwhile, the Houthis have objected to some of the claims made by the government units. The situation on the ground is changing fast and not all claims have been independently verified.
