Yemeni government forces, led by the Saudis, have taken control of the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Yemen's Minister of Information, Muammar al-Eryani, announced on Monday that these forces have rapidly advanced along the coasts of the area with heavy air support from Saudi Arabia and have captured key positions in the Dhubab region.
Military Advances and Impacts on the Energy Market
The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is recognized as a vital oil route, and its capture by Iran-backed forces, namely the Houthis, last month significantly impacted the energy market. However, al-Eryani stated that Yemeni forces have succeeded in capturing the Dhubab airport, which is near the strait, and have managed to besiege the remaining Houthi forces in the area. Nonetheless, other government sources reported ongoing clashes at a military base near the strait.
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Other Fronts and the Humanitarian Situation in Yemen
On other fronts, the Houthis have also made significant advances near the city of Taiz, capturing parts of a mountain road that has led to the encirclement of government forces in that area. Clashes in Yemen are intensifying, and the humanitarian situation in the country is critical. The United Nations Migration Agency announced on Monday that approximately 184,000 people have been displaced from their homes since the onset of the war.
The Yemeni government announced on Sunday the start of its operations to reclaim captured areas. President Rashad al-Alimi emphasized that the country will continue to fight until it is completely liberated from terrorist groups. Saudi Arabia, which provides the necessary weapons and training to Yemeni government forces, has also aided this operation with its air power and is seeking logistical support from allies to restore free movement in the Red Sea.
On Monday, Saudi Arabia announced that it had attacked hundreds of targets in Yemen to provide air support for Yemeni ground forces and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. While clashes continue on several fronts, the fiercest battles are taking place in southwestern Yemen and around Taiz. The Houthis have recently continued their attacks, causing damage to vital roads.
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