Saudi-led forces retake key areas near Bab al-Mandab strait from Houthis in Yemen, securing air dominance and destroying hundreds of Houthi targets. The offensive follows a major push to reclaim territory lost to rebels, amid intensified fighting in Taiz and surrounding regions.
Yemeni officials confirmed the recapture of Dhubab, Bab, and Hadeid near the strait, with government forces using tanks and air support. Houthis retaliated by attacking Aden airport with missiles and drones, and targeting Saudi airports in Riyadh and Abha with ballistic missiles and drones.
The conflict highlights ongoing tensions between Yemen’s internationally recognized government and Houthis, with both sides suffering casualties. Saudi Arabia and the U.S. have a defense agreement, but no further details on coordination were provided. The fighting threatens to disrupt regional trade through the Bab al-Mandab strait, a critical chokepoint for global shipping.