Saudi-backed forces retake key areas from Houthis in Yemen offensive
Saudi-backed Yemeni forces have retaken several key areas around the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait from Iran-backed Houthi rebels, according to Yemeni officials. The recaptured towns include Dhubab, Bab, and Hadeid, all crucial locations near the vital shipping route connecting the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The offensive, launched Monday under air cover from a Saudi military coalition, involved 100 fighter jets providing support to government forces.
The Houthis, meanwhile, claimed attacks on Saudi oil facilities, airports, and military bases, including King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and an oil refinery in Rabigh. Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, the Houthis’ military spokesman, asserted that the rebels used ballistic and cruise missiles and drones in these attacks. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged that Saudi Arabia has the right to defend itself but declined to provide details on U.S. coordination with the coalition.
The escalation comes after the Houthis captured the key town of Turbah on Sunday, dealing a blow to Saudi-backed forces. The town sits on a main road linking the provincial capital of Taiz with the port city of Aden, Yemen’s interim government seat. The Houthi advances have constrained government forces’ ability to reinforce front-line positions across Taiz province. The Institute for the Study of War noted that the rebels’ control of Turbah could limit resupply efforts.
Pakistan and Turkey have agreed to deploy military forces to Saudi Arabia under their defense pact, following attacks on Mecca, Medina, and other Saudi cities. The joint statement from the three countries condemned the attacks but did not specify troop numbers or a deployment timetable. The Saudi-led coalition spokesman, Maj. Gen. Turki al-Malki, vowed full operational support to Yemeni government forces until the Houthis are eliminated.