Saudi-backed Yemen forces recapture key areas from Houthis near strait

Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces say they have recaptured the Dhubab district and other key areas around the Bab al-Mandab strait from Iran-backed Houthi rebels, launching a major new offensive dubbed “Dawn of Yemen.” The push, announced early Monday, is backed by air cover from the Saudi-led coalition, whose spokesman said 100 fighter jets were supporting the ground troops. The Houthis have denied the claimed gains.

FAKTA

• What happened: Yemen’s internationally recognized government says its forces retook Dhubab and the towns of Bab and Hadeid near the Bab al-Mandab strait on Monday.
• The operation: Codenamed “Dawn of Yemen,” announced by Presidential Leadership Council chairman Rashad al-Alimi in a televised address on Sunday.
• Forces involved: The Giants Brigades and the National Shield Forces lead the ground offensive; the Saudi-led coalition provides air support.
• Key claims: 100 coalition fighter jets; 1,122 precision strikes claimed by a government spokesman; “air protection” of the strait secured.
• Disputed: Houthi-run media deny the gains as “fictitious”; the Houthis say they captured the town of Turbah in Taiz province on Sunday.
• Why it matters: The Bab al-Mandab strait links the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and is a critical chokepoint for global shipping and energy trade.

Dawn of Yemen: ground offensive pushes along the Red Sea coast

The offensive began a day after Rashad al-Alimi, chairman of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council, declared the start of the campaign in a televised address, saying all chances for de-escalation had been exhausted. On Monday, pro-government units — chiefly the Giants Brigades and the National Shield Forces — advanced along the western coast toward the port city of Mocha, cutting the road linking Dhubab district to the port.

Yemeni military spokesman Maj. Gen. Majid al-Nujaili said government forces had secured the strait and carried out 1,122 precision strikes against Houthi artillery, rocket launchers, defensive positions and command centers. Reuters, citing military and government sources, also reported that government forces had seized much of the Dhubab area and were pushing to establish full control. The full extent of the gains could not be independently confirmed.

Coalition air campaign: 100 fighter jets in support

The Saudi-led coalition formally joined the operation, deploying fighter jets to support Yemeni ground troops. Coalition spokesman Maj. Gen. Turki al-Malki said 100 fighter jets were taking part and that air support for ground forces was continuing, adding that the coalition had struck 324 key targets and secured “air protection” of the Bab al-Mandab strait. The figures have not been independently verified. Read our coverage of the Saudi-led coalition’s air campaign against the Houthis for the full picture of the bombing offensive.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said it was expected that the Saudi-backed government would hit back at the rebels to reclaim territory. Asked whether the action was coordinated with the United States, he said Saudi Arabia and the US have a defense agreement but declined to offer details, adding that the Yemeni government and Saudi Arabia “have a right to defend themselves.”

Strategic importance of Bab al-Mandab

The Bab al-Mandab strait connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and is one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints for oil and goods shipments. Control of the waterway has been a central prize of Yemen’s conflict: the Houthis seized large parts of the southern Red Sea coast in early September, and the renewed fighting threatens another key energy export route while the Strait of Hormuz remains disrupted. More world news from Watan News is available in our world section.

The latest offensive marks the revival of Yemen’s civil war after a four-year ceasefire agreed in 2022 broke down this summer, with both sides now fighting on multiple fronts including Taiz and the capital, Sanaa.

Houthi denials and escalating claims

The Houthis have denied the government’s claims. The Houthi-run Saba news agency quoted an unnamed military source calling the reported gains “fictitious” and “an attempt to cover up repeated failures.” Separately, the rebels said on Sunday they had captured the town of Turbah in Taiz province — a setback for government forces — and claimed to have attacked oil infrastructure in the Saudi capital, Riyadh.

The Houthi-run Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center also warned airlines against flying in Saudi airspace while the “aggression” continues. The claims on both sides could not be independently verified.

Conclusion

The reported recapture of areas around the Bab al-Mandab strait marks a significant moment in Yemen’s revived civil war. Backed by substantial Saudi air power, the “Dawn of Yemen” offensive aims to reverse months of Houthi gains along the Red Sea coast and secure one of the world’s most vital shipping lanes. With both sides claiming victories and denying defeats, the coming days will show whether the government can turn its claims into lasting control. This story is developing; follow the main-domain version of this article for updates.

Frequently asked questions

What is the “Dawn of Yemen” operation?

It is the name given by Yemen’s internationally recognized government to the military campaign launched on October 5, 2026, to recapture territory from the Houthi rebels, announced by Presidential Leadership Council chairman Rashad al-Alimi.

What areas did the government say it recaptured?

Yemeni officials said forces retook the Dhubab district, just north of the Bab al-Mandab strait, as well as the towns of Bab and Hadeid, and cut the road linking Dhubab to the port city of Mocha.

How is the Saudi-led coalition involved?

Coalition spokesman Maj. Gen. Turki al-Malki said 100 fighter jets were supporting Yemeni ground forces, and that the coalition had struck 324 key targets and secured “air protection” of the strait. These figures are unconfirmed.

What do the Houthis say?

The Houthis deny the government’s claims, calling them “fictitious” through their Saba news agency. They also say they captured the town of Turbah in Taiz province and claimed an attack on oil infrastructure in Riyadh.

Why does the Bab al-Mandab strait matter?

The strait connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and is a critical chokepoint for global shipping and energy trade, making control of it strategically and economically vital.