Saudi-backed forces retake key areas from Houthis in Yemen offensive

Saudi-backed Yemeni forces have retaken several key areas around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait from Iran-backed Houthi rebels, according to Yemeni officials. The strategic offensive, launched Monday, reclaimed the town of Dhubab and others, with government tanks and forces seen entering the areas. The Houthis, however, claimed attacks on Saudi oil facilities, airports, and military bases, including King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and an oil refinery in Rabigh.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged Saudi Arabia's right to defend itself but did not confirm U.S. coordination in the offensive. The U.S. Embassy in Riyadh warned citizens of potential drone or missile attacks. Meanwhile, Pakistan and Turkey agreed to deploy military forces to Saudi Arabia under a defense pact, condemning attacks on Saudi cities and civilian facilities.

The escalation follows the Houthis' capture of the key town of Turbah on Sunday, which could hinder government forces' ability to resupply front-line positions. The Saudi-led coalition, with 100 fighter jets, secured air protection of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and destroyed hundreds of Houthi targets. The offensive, dubbed 'Yemen Dawn,' aims to restore state institutions and end the Houthi coup, according to Yemeni President Rashad al-Alimi.

The latest violence has killed at least 959 people and wounded over 4,200 others, according to the World Health Organization. The conflict has displaced about 174,097 people inside Yemen and forced more than 3,000 to flee to Djibouti. The escalation has revived Yemen's 12-year civil war, which began in 2014 when the Houthis captured Sanaa and forced the government into exile.