Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces have regained effective control of the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a critical waterway in the Red Sea, according to Yemen’s Information Minister Moammar al-Eryani. The military operation, supported by Saudi Arabia, targeted Houthi positions in the Dhubab area, a strategic point near the narrowest part of the strait. The Houthi militia, backed by Iran, had seized the area last month, causing global energy market disruptions.
Yemeni military sources confirmed the recapture of key coastal positions, with heavy Saudi air support playing a crucial role. The operation involved rapid advances along the coast, leading to the seizure of strategic locations. However, fighting continues in the area as Houthi forces attempt to regain control. The Yemeni government claims to have secured the strait, though the situation remains fluid.
The Bab al-Mandab Strait is a vital route for global shipping, particularly for oil and gas transportation. Its control has significant geopolitical and economic implications. The Houthi takeover last month raised concerns about regional stability and energy supply chains. The current military action is part of a broader effort to restore government control over territory lost to the rebels.
The conflict in Yemen, which has been ongoing since 2015, involves multiple factions, including the Houthi rebels, the Yemeni government, and external actors such as Saudi Arabia and Iran. The recent military advances mark a shift in the balance of power, though the long-term outcome remains uncertain. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, with some countries providing military or logistical support to the Yemeni government.
