Yemeni Government Says It Has Retaken Bab el-Mandeb Strait From Houthis

Yemeni President Rashad al-Alimi said on Oct. 4 the offensive would go on ‘until the country is liberated from the grip of the terrorist militia.’

Yemeni Government Says It Has Retaken Bab el-Mandeb Strait From Houthis

TL;DR

  • Yemeni government forces have retaken effective control of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
  • An offensive launched on October 4 resulted in rapid advances and seizure of key positions.
  • Saudi air support was utilized during the operation.
  • An airstrip in Dhubab has been regained, and Houthi forces in the area are cut off.
  • Fighting is reported to be continuing despite the government's gains.
  • The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is a critical waterway for global shipping, handling approximately 12 percent of the world's goods.