Yemeni Government Forces Push Houthis Back Near Bab al-Mandab Strait
Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces carried out a swift operation to retake coastal territory around the Bab al-Mandab strait up to the city of Mokha, driving out Iran-backed Houthi fighters, Reuters reports.
Yemeni government forces, backed by Saudi Arabia, launched a rapid military operation on Monday to reclaim coastal territory in the strategically vital area surrounding the Bab al-Mandab strait. The operation extended government control up to the city of Mokha, according to Reuters.
During the offensive, government troops pushed Iran-backed Houthi fighters out of most of the areas the group had seized the previous month. The advance effectively reversed much of the territorial gains the Houthis had made during their offensive campaign in that period.
Strategic significance
The Bab al-Mandab strait is one of the world's most important shipping routes, connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and, beyond it, the Indian Ocean. A substantial share of global cargo and energy shipments between Asia, Africa and Europe passes through this narrow passage. In recent years, Houthi control of nearby coastline and attacks on vessels in the area have caused serious disruptions to shipping and raised the risk level for maritime traffic in the region.
The conflict between Yemen's government forces, backed by a Saudi-led coalition, and the Iran-backed Houthi movement has lasted for years and remains one of the most protracted and complex armed conflicts in the Middle East. The Houthis control large parts of northern Yemen, including the capital Sanaa, while government forces, with foreign support, continue fighting to regain territory in various parts of the country.
It remains unclear how the Houthis will respond to this territorial setback or whether they will attempt a counteroffensive. The situation around the Bab al-Mandab strait continues to have a direct bearing on shipping safety and international trade through the region.
