Yemeni military sources reported on Saturday that their forces were making progress against the Houthis in areas surrounding the Bab al-Mandab strait. However, they have not yet secured control of the waterway. This development comes after the government launched an operation to reclaim lost territory from the Iran-backed Houthi group. The Saudi-backed government announced the counter-offensive last week, aiming to retake all areas held by the Houthis.
The Houthis confirmed that government forces had attacked in the Bab al-Mandab area but claimed to have repelled the assault. Hizam al-Asad, a member of the Houthis' political bureau, stated that Saudi-led forces attempted to advance from the Ras al-Ara area in Lahj governorate towards the area south of Bab al-Mandab. However, our forces repelled them outside the Bab al-Mandab zone, inflicting heavy losses in personnel and equipment.
Despite claims of repelling the assault, sources from the military of Yemen's internationally recognised government said that Mayun Island – located in the heart of the strait – remained in Houthi hands as fighting continued. The situation on the ground is rapidly changing, and access for journalists is difficult, making it challenging to independently verify the claims by the warring parties.
Clashes in western Yemen, specifically around the strait, have resulted in significant casualties. Military sources from both sides reported that at least 63 people had been killed in the past 24 hours. Thirty-five members of government forces were killed, while 28 Houthis died, the sources said. The renewed fighting has also led to a substantial displacement of civilians, with over 200,000 people displaced since July, according to UN data.
The Yemeni government launched a "major operation" in the strait region on Friday, supported by air power from Saudi Arabia, which backs Yemen's government. The Saudi-led coalition reported that it had destroyed more than 130 Houthi targets in a "large-scale operation". The Houthis' Al-Masirah TV channel reported that enemy strikes had targeted the Bab al-Mandab area and the capital Sanaa's international airport.
The conflict in Yemen has also involved cross-border attacks, with the Houthis firing on targets inside Saudi Arabia, including transport hubs, oil facilities, and other civilian sites with drones and missiles. Saudi Arabia has been retaliating with strikes on key Houthi targets inside Yemen. On Friday, Riyadh reported that attacks on the Saudi capital's international airport had killed three people the previous day.
The renewed fighting in Yemen has resulted in a significant humanitarian crisis, with over 200,000 people displaced since July. The situation remains volatile, with both sides suffering heavy losses. The international community continues to monitor the situation, with the UN providing updates on the humanitarian impact of the conflict.
Key points
- - Yemeni forces are advancing against Houthis around Bab al-Mandab strait. - The conflict has resulted in significant casualties and displacement of civilians. - The situation remains volatile, with both sides suffering heavy losses.
