The short version
- Government forces backed by Saudi air power have retaken Dhubab, Bab, and Hadeid near the strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait.
- Houthi rebels simultaneously captured Turbah, cutting a vital supply route to Taiz and increasing pressure on the besieged city.
- U.S. officials confirmed intelligence support for the operation while emphasizing Saudi Arabia's right to self-defense against recent attacks.
Forces aligned with Yemen’s internationally recognized government have recaptured several strategic locations around the Bab al-Mandab Strait, marking a significant shift in the ongoing conflict. The offensive, launched early Monday under heavy air cover provided by the Saudi-led coalition, resulted in the retaking of the town of Dhubab, situated just north of the critical waterway. Government troops also secured the nearby towns of Bab and Hadeid, according to Yemeni officials who spoke on condition of anonymity. Witnesses reported seeing government tanks and personnel entering these areas, signaling a coordinated push to reverse recent territorial losses.
The military operation aims to reclaim all territory currently held by Iran-backed Houthi rebels, who had seized control of the Yemeni side of the strait in early September. That earlier advance included the capture of Mokha and several Red Sea islands, allowing the Houthis to dominate a chokepoint through which approximately 12 percent of global trade passes. The Saudi coalition spokesperson, Major General Turki al-Malki, stated that roughly 100 fighter jets supported the ground forces, securing air protection over the strait and destroying hundreds of Houthi targets. He emphasized that the campaign continues until the rebels are eliminated.
Despite these gains in the south, the Houthis have made simultaneous advances in southwestern Yemen, complicating the government’s strategic position. Rebel forces captured the key town of Turbah on Sunday, a location that sits on a main road linking the provincial capital of Taiz with Aden, the interim seat of the government. This move has severed a vital supply route to Taiz, which has long been besieged from multiple directions by Houthi fighters. Security sources confirmed that traffic along the road has halted and that the group is now surrounding the city, intensifying pressure on one of the main fronts in Yemen’s civil war.
The fighting around Taiz has resulted in significant casualties over the past day, with sources from both sides reporting more than 70 deaths. Government officials stated that 34 troops were killed, including 20 in neighboring Lahj province, while Houthi military sources claimed 39 of their fighters died in combat across the region. Although Taiz city itself remains under government control, the loss of surrounding areas and supply lines represents a severe blow to Saudi-backed forces. The Houthis have also seized villages on the outskirts of Taiz, paving the way for further encirclement of Yemen’s third-largest city.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed the escalation, noting that it was expected the Saudi-backed government would respond to reclaim lost territory. When asked about coordination between Washington and Riyadh, Rubio cited a defense agreement but declined to provide specific details. He affirmed that Saudi Arabia has the right to defend itself after being targeted by Houthi attacks. However, U.S. officials indicated that American support for the operation included intelligence sharing, target identification, and planning assistance, marking a return to deeper involvement after the United States had previously withdrawn from the coalition in recent years.
The current flare-up follows a four-year ceasefire that ended in mid-July when the Houthis accused Saudi Arabia of bombing Sanaa airport to block an unauthorized Iranian flight. Since then, tensions have escalated dramatically, with the Houthis launching ballistic missiles and drones at Saudi energy infrastructure, including sites operated by Aramco in Riyadh and the Khurais area. These attacks caused large fires and added pressure on Saudi oil exports, which were already strained by Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The Houthi military spokesperson claimed these strikes were retaliation for dozens of Saudi-led air and missile strikes in Yemen.
Rashad al-Alimi, head of the Presidential Leadership Council, announced the operation, dubbed 'Yemen Dawn,' with the stated goal of restoring state institutions and liberating Sanaa. He called on the international community to provide support to his government as it seeks to end what he described as a Houthi coup. The offensive represents an ambitious attempt to roll back the rebel surge that has destabilized large parts of the country. However, the simultaneous gains by both sides suggest that the conflict remains highly volatile and that neither side has achieved a decisive advantage.
The situation on the ground continues to evolve rapidly, with fighting ongoing in multiple regions. While government forces have made progress near the strait, the Houthis maintain pressure on Taiz and continue to threaten Saudi infrastructure. The international implications are significant, given the strategic importance of the Bab al-Mandab Strait for global shipping and the potential for further regional escalation. Observers will be watching closely to see whether the current offensive can stabilize government-held areas or if the conflict will deepen into a broader confrontation involving more external actors.
Casualty figures and territorial control remain fluid, with conflicting reports from both sides regarding losses and gains. The humanitarian impact of the renewed fighting is likely to worsen, particularly in besieged areas like Taiz where supply lines are disrupted. International efforts to mediate a resolution face new challenges as both parties appear committed to military solutions rather than diplomatic negotiations. The coming days will be critical in determining whether the current offensive leads to a lasting shift in momentum or merely prolongs the cycle of violence that has defined Yemen’s civil war for years.
As the offensive continues, the focus remains on the strategic balance between coastal control and inland strongholds. The government’s ability to hold newly recaptured towns while defending Taiz will test its logistical and military capabilities. Meanwhile, the Houthis’ capacity to sustain attacks on Saudi Arabia and maintain pressure on key cities will influence the broader regional dynamics. The involvement of U.S. intelligence and planning support underscores the high stakes for Washington in preventing further destabilization, even as it navigates complex relationships with both regional allies and adversaries.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- The Guardian World↗Saudi-backed forces recapture key areas around strait from Houthis in Yemen
- PBS NewsHour↗Saudi-backed coalition forces Houthis from several areas around key strait, Yemeni officials say
