Yemeni government forces have retaken control of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait from Houthi rebels, according to Yemen’s Information Minister Moammar al-Eryani. The operation took place near the narrowest point of the strait, a critical maritime passage for oil shipments. The area had been under Houthi control since last month, causing disruptions in global energy markets.
The offensive was supported by heavy Saudi air strikes, allowing Yemeni troops to advance rapidly along the coast. Government forces seized key positions in the Dhubab district, which is strategically important for controlling the strait. The operation followed a major offensive launched by Yemeni forces on the Red Sea coast, backed by a intensified air campaign by the Saudi-led coalition.
The Houthi rebels had previously claimed to have captured more territory in the region, but the Yemeni government now asserts effective control of the strait. Fighting continues in the area as both sides contest the region’s strategic significance. The strait is one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world, and its control has implications for regional security and global trade.
The conflict in Yemen has been ongoing since 2015, with Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, fighting against a coalition led by Saudi Arabia. The current operation marks a significant shift in the balance of power, though the situation remains volatile. The capture of the strait is seen as a strategic victory for the Yemeni government, but the conflict shows no signs of resolution.
