Yemeni government troops capture key positions on Bab el-Mandeb Strait
Saudi-backed Yemeni forces have taken large parts of the Dhubab district overlooking Bab el-Mandeb, with coalition air support, after months of fighting against Iran-backed Houthis.
On Monday, Yemeni government forces supported by a Saudi-led coalition captured significant territory in the Dhubab district, which commands the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Military and government sources said the advance was backed by heavy coalition air strikes, contradicting earlier Houthi-aligned reports that denied any government gains. President Rashad al-Alimi announced the offensive last week, pledging to retake areas seized by the Iran-backed Houthis, who have been targeting Saudi cities and Red Sea infrastructure.
The fighting around the strait and the hills near Taiz reflects the Houthis’ attempt to control this vital maritime route, already under pressure from Iran’s closure of the Hormuz Strait. Disruption of the Bab el-Mandeb could further elevate global oil prices and heighten security concerns in an already volatile region.
Why it matters
Control of Bab el-Mandeb affects global oil flow and regional stability amid the Yemen conflict.
How the sides frame it
HIGH AGREEMENTAll camps report that Yemeni government forces, with Saudi support, captured key positions at Bab el-Mandeb, noting Houthi denial of the advance; the wording differs but the core facts are the same.
LEFT
Covers the operation as a coordinated, multi-front offensive by the internationally recognised government, backed by extensive Saudi military aid, securing strategic positions.
CENTER
Describes the recapture of the strait as part of a large-scale “Dawn of Yemen” offensive aimed at ending the Houthi coup and regaining occupied government sites.
RIGHT
Portrays the seizure as a Saudi-backed effort to reverse Houthi gains and protect a vital maritime route, stressing the potential oil-price impact.
The left emphasises
- government launched a coordinated assault from north, west and south
- heavy Saudi air support and 100 combat aircraft struck 324 high-value targets
- strategic importance of the Bab el-Mandeb waterway
The right emphasises
- Saudi-backed forces seized key positions in Dhubab district
- heavy coalition air strikes backed the advance
- control of the strait is vital for global oil markets
How this story developed
- Sep 11 Renewed Yemen fighting forces over 46,000 people from their homes
- Sep 25 The UAE has not confirmed an official ban despite the cancellation of Iranian flights to Dubai.
- Sep 25 Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth called on active-duty personnel and eligible relatives to register and request ballots ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.
- Sep 27 Government forces launched intensified air and ground attacks in Taiz province.
- Sep 27 France announced a military mission to Saudi Arabia.
- Oct 2 The United States granted an exemption permitting Iraqi Airways to resume pilgrim flights to Iran.
- Oct 2 Saudi Arabia has moved from planning to actively preparing a large‑scale offensive to retake the Bab el‑Mandeb strait.
- Oct 3 TPLF forces are withdrawing from Mekelle as federal troops advance toward the capital.
- Oct 3 A witness observed a large plume of fire and smoke near an Aramco facility in Riyadh on Saturday, with authorities yet to confirm the incident.
- Oct 3 Saudi jets launched 26 strikes on Sanaa following the fire at the Aramco site.
- Oct 4 Speaker Mike Johnson ended the House’s final day of session, halting the impeachment vote on Defense Secretary Hegseth.
- Oct 4 Houthi spokesperson announced that missiles and drones struck Aramco facilities in Riyadh and eastern Khurais, causing large fires.
- Oct 5 Federal troops and pro‑government militias entered Mekelle following the TPLF’s announced withdrawal.
- Oct 5 Yemeni government forces announced capture of positions near Bab al‑Mandab and the coalition deployed about 100 combat aircraft.
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