The short version
- Pro-government forces have captured the port city of Mokha and Dhubab airport, claiming to secure the Bab al-Mandab Strait amid a broader offensive dubbed Operation Yemen Dawn.
- Saudi-led coalition airstrikes are providing continuous support, destroying hundreds of targets while Houthi forces retaliate with missile attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure.
- The escalation follows the collapse of an informal ceasefire and has resulted in significant civilian casualties and displacement since August, raising concerns about regional stability.
Yemen’s internationally recognized government has initiated a comprehensive military campaign aimed at reclaiming all territories currently controlled by the Houthi movement. This offensive, designated as Operation Yemen Dawn, represents a decisive shift in strategy after months of deteriorating security conditions along the southwestern coast. Government officials stated that diplomatic avenues for de-escalation had been fully exhausted, necessitating a full-scale military response to restore state authority over regions lost during the ongoing civil war.
Early gains in the campaign include the recapture of Mokha, a critical port city on the Red Sea coast, and Dhubab airport, located approximately 45 kilometers to the south. Pro-government forces, including the National Shield and Giants Brigades, reported securing these positions with significant assistance from Saudi air power. The military announced that operations had also expanded to other fronts, including the capital city of Sanaa, which has been under Houthi control since the conflict began over a decade ago.
The Saudi-led coalition confirmed it is providing round-the-clock aerial support for the ground offensive. Coalition statements indicated that fighter jets have destroyed more than 300 high-value targets since the operation commenced. However, the intensity of the airstrikes has drawn sharp condemnation from Houthi representatives, who accused Saudi Arabia of committing massacres and warned that civilian airspace in the kingdom had become a dangerous theater of operations.
In retaliation for the intensified bombing campaign, Houthi forces launched ballistic missiles and drones against major oil facilities in Saudi Arabia. Satellite imagery verified by independent analysts shows thick smoke rising from the Riyadh Refinery and the Khurais Central Processing Facility following these attacks. The Houthis framed these strikes as retribution for what they described as a blockade of their ports and airports, as well as previous airstrikes on Sanaa airport.
The strategic importance of the Bab al-Mandab Strait cannot be overstated in this context. After Houthi forces seized control of areas overlooking the waterway earlier this year, global oil prices surged due to fears that Saudi Arabia’s export routes were compromised. With the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed due to broader regional tensions involving Iran, the Red Sea route has become vital for Saudi energy exports. The government’s claim of securing the strait suggests an attempt to stabilize these critical trade lanes.
Despite official claims of success, conflicting reports persist regarding the extent of territorial control. Houthi-run media outlets denied that government forces had made any significant advances in Dhubab, casting doubt on the completeness of the military victory. Additionally, there was no immediate comment from Houthi leadership regarding the loss of Mokha, leaving the true status of frontline positions somewhat ambiguous.
The human cost of this renewed fighting has been severe. According to Yemen’s health ministry, nearly 1,000 people have been killed and thousands more injured since early August. The United Nations reports that approximately 197,000 individuals have been displaced by the recent violence. Civilian casualties from Saudi airstrikes in Sanaa, including the deaths of a schoolgirl and a woman, have further inflamed tensions and underscored the risks to non-combatants.
This escalation marks a dramatic departure from the informal ceasefire that had held for four years until unraveling in July. The Houthis initially justified their maritime embargo and subsequent attacks by citing Saudi aggression, but the current offensive signals a return to full-scale conventional warfare. As both sides mobilize resources, the potential for broader regional involvement remains high, particularly given the direct targeting of Saudi infrastructure.
Looking ahead, the success of Operation Yemen Dawn will depend on whether pro-government forces can sustain their momentum against entrenched Houthi defenses. The situation in Taiz, where government troops and residents are reportedly surrounded after a key mountain road was cut, highlights the logistical challenges facing the offensive. International observers remain concerned about the humanitarian impact as the conflict intensifies once again.
The coming weeks will likely see continued volatility as both sides assess their strategic positions. While the government aims to liberate the country from Houthi control, the movement’s ability to strike deep into Saudi territory demonstrates its enduring military capability. The outcome of this offensive could redefine the balance of power in Yemen and influence broader geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC World↗Yemeni military says it has retaken Mokha and 'secured' Red Sea waterway
