On Monday, Yemeni government forces launched an attack on Houthi positions in the Dhubaab district, which overlooks the strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait. This development comes a day after the internationally recognized government announced a campaign to reclaim territories held by the Houthis. The operation, dubbed "Fajr Yemen," aims to restore state institutions, liberate the capital Sana'a, and end Houthi control.
The coalition, led by Saudi Arabia, provided air cover for the Yemeni forces on the ground, with around 100 fighter jets participating in the operation. According to the coalition, 324 high-value targets have been destroyed since the start of the operation. The airstrikes and ground assault are part of a broader effort to weaken the Houthis and restore government control over the country.
The attack on Dhubaab district is a significant development in the Yemeni conflict, as the area is strategically located near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a critical waterway for international shipping. The Houthis have controlled the district since 2015, and the government's efforts to retake it are seen as a crucial step in the campaign to reclaim Houthi-held territories.
However, a Houthi military source denied reports of government forces advancing towards Dhubaab, describing such claims as "baseless." The source, quoted by the Yemeni news agency Saba, insisted that the situation on the ground remains under Houthi control. The conflicting accounts highlight the complexity and fluidity of the conflict in Yemen.
The Yemeni government's efforts to retake Houthi-held territories have been underway for several months, with varying degrees of success. Recently, government forces recaptured the city of Mocha from the Houthis, marking a significant gain for the internationally recognized government. The campaign to retake Sana'a and other Houthi-held areas is expected to face significant resistance.
The conflict in Yemen has resulted in significant humanitarian suffering, with millions displaced and thousands killed or injured. The situation remains dire, with ongoing fighting and a deepening economic crisis. International efforts to broker a peace agreement have so far been unsuccessful, and the conflict continues to destabilize the region.
The Yemeni government's announcement of the "Fajr Yemen" operation reflects its determination to restore state institutions and end Houthi control. The outcome of the campaign remains uncertain, but it is clear that the conflict will have far-reaching consequences for Yemen and the wider region.
Key points
- Yemeni government forces, backed by coalition airstrikes, have launched an attack on Houthi positions in the Dhubaab district, near the strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait.
- The coalition, led by Saudi Arabia, has provided air cover for the Yemeni forces, with around 100 fighter jets participating in the operation.
- The conflict in Yemen has resulted in significant humanitarian suffering, with millions displaced and thousands killed or injured.
