Yemeni government forces have launched a significant attack on Sanaa, seizing the strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait and Dhubab district, and advancing towards Mokha. The Saudi-led coalition has deployed 100 fighter jets in support of the "Dawn of Yemen" operation. According to sources, Houthi rebels are surrounded in the Bab al-Mandab sector and on Mayyun Island, with dozens of fighters captured by Yemeni government forces.
The Yemeni government forces have carried out a flanking manoeuvre to seize Bab al-Mandab, with the Giants Brigades and Nation's Shield Forces successfully taking control of the area. The forces have cut the road between Dhubab and Mokha and established fire control over the route. Dhubab airport is now under the control of government forces, according to Yemeni army spokesman Col. Majed Abdullah Al-Nazili.
The Saudi-led coalition has provided air support for the Yemeni military operation, with 100 fighter jets taking part in the "Dawn of Yemen" operation. Maj Gen Turki Al-Maliki, spokesman for the Saudi-led coalition, said that air support for Yemeni armed forces is being provided around the clock. The coalition has destroyed 324 high-value targets since the operation began, with operations against moving targets continuing.
The coalition is also providing air protection for the Bab al-Mandab Strait. Al-Maliki accused the Houthi terrorist militia of continued attacks and abuses against Yemenis, including imposing an internal blockade, forcibly displacing civilians, and recruiting children. He described these actions as "blatant violations" that have brought years of suffering to Yemenis.
Al-Maliki also accused the Houthi terrorist militia of attacks on Saudi Arabia, including attempts to target the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. He cited deliberate and systematic attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure in several Saudi cities, as well as attempts to target Saudi vessels in the southern Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait.
Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council Chairman Rashad Al-Alimi announced the launch of a comprehensive military operation against the Houthis to retake the remaining territory under their control. The Yemeni army also announced the start of the "battle for liberation" to end Houthi rule. Fighting between government forces and the Houthis intensified in September, with the group taking control of key positions in several provinces.
The developments are part of a military escalation that began in July and is the most serious in Yemen since a period of relative calm followed a truce that began in April 2022. The conflict has resulted in significant humanitarian suffering, with the UN chief expressing concern over the sharp escalation of Yemen fighting.
Key points
- Yemeni government forces seize Bab al-Mandab Strait with coalition air support
- Coalition destroys 324 Houthi targets since operation began
- Conflict escalation raises humanitarian concerns in Yemen
