Saudi-Backed Forces Claim Control of Key Strait in Yemen
Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces claim to have secured control of the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait, according to Yemen’s Information Minister Moammar al-Eryani. The announcement came on Monday, though clashes with Houthi forces in the area persist. Government troops, supported by heavy Saudi airstrikes, advanced along the coast to capture key positions near the strait, including the Dhubab airstrip. However, a government source acknowledged that fighting continued at a nearby military base, while the Houthis denied any territorial losses, vowing to strike aircraft in Saudi airspace.
The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is a critical oil route, and its seizure by the Iran-backed Houthis last month disrupted global energy markets. While recapturing the coastal area would limit the Houthis' ability to target shipping, they could still launch drone attacks from inland positions. Meanwhile, the Houthis made significant advances near the city of Taiz, surrounding government forces and cutting off key supply routes. The conflict has displaced over 184,000 people since it resumed, worsening Yemen’s humanitarian crisis.
The Yemeni government launched a broad offensive on Sunday to retake territory, with President Rashad al-Alimi pledging to liberate the country from Houthi control. Saudi Arabia is providing air support and logistical assistance to the Yemeni forces. The Houthis reported civilian casualties from airstrikes in Sanaa province, while government forces denied some Houthi claims of territorial gains. The heaviest fighting has occurred in southwestern Yemen, particularly around Taiz and the strait, where the Houthis have gained ground in recent days.
The conflict has reignited after a ceasefire in 2022, with the Houthis seeking to control the strait and targeting Saudi cities with missiles and drones. The fighting has further strained energy exports, already limited by Iran’s closure of the Hormuz Strait, driving up global oil prices and escalating tensions in the region.