Yemen: After Houthi gains - government forces storm the strait anew

Yemeni government forces and their allies have launched a counterattack in the Bab el-Mandeb area, attempting to reverse Houthi gains in recent weeks. According to local reports in Saudi and Yemeni media, forces of the 'Giant Brigades' with assistance from 'Homeland Shield' and air cover have retaken the Dubab area overlooking the strategic strait. Sources in Al-Arabiya reported a flanking maneuver through the Kahbub mountains and severing Houthi supply routes. Claims about the extent of control have not been independently verified.

Yemeni government forces and their allies have launched a counterattack in the Bab el-Mandeb area, attempting to reverse Houthi gains in recent weeks. According to reports in Saudi and Yemeni media, forces of the 'Giant Brigades', with assistance from 'Homeland Shield' forces and air cover, have managed to retake the Dubab area, which overlooks the strategic strait. Sources quoted by Al-Arabiya reported that the forces executed a flanking maneuver through the Kahbub mountains, while simultaneously cutting off at least some of the Houthi supply routes in the area. Yemeni state television also reported the takeover of Dubab, but claims about the extent of control on the ground have not been independently verified. The Associated Press reported significant Houthi progress in the area, including the seizure of strategic points along the Red Sea coast and advances toward Taiz. The developments raised concerns that the Houthis would succeed in strengthening their grip on the Bab el-Mandeb area, one of the world's most important shipping lanes. An analysis by ACLED warned that Houthi gains increase the risk to Red Sea shipping and energy markets. The current offensive is a first significant test of the Yemeni government and its allies' attempt to reverse Houthi gains.