Offensive by government forces in Yemen against Houthi rebels

Yemeni government forces have launched a large-scale offensive against Iran-backed Houthi rebels. According to military sources and an official quoted by Reuters, government troops have taken over large parts of the Dhubab district, located near the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

The operation is supported from the air by a coalition led by Saudi Arabia. Authorities in Riyadh said on Monday they had attacked hundreds of targets in Yemen, providing cover for troops fighting for control of the strategic sea lane.

Houthi-affiliated media have denied that government forces have achieved any successes in the area. They described the information as "completely false."

Fighting also on the Taiz-Aden road

According to Reuters, the heaviest clashes are taking place in the southwestern part of Yemen - both on the coast near the strait and in the mountainous surroundings of the city of Taiz.

According to five government sources, Houthi fighters advanced on the night from Sunday to Monday towards the town of al-Turbah, located on the Taiz-Aden mountain route. A week earlier, rebel attacks damaged a culvert on this road, making the trail impassable.

However, one government source disputed reports that the Houthis had completely cut off the road and surrounded government forces.

The Houthi-controlled news agency reported, citing a military source, that the rebels had driven government troops from the al-Mawasit district in Taiz province.

Taiz, the third largest city in Yemen, is inhabited by over half a million people. Since the beginning of the civil war, it has remained one of the most important points on the front and has been repeatedly shelled by the Houthis.

Military sources close to the authorities in Aden say the rebels' latest advances could lead to the encirclement of the city where thousands of government troops are stationed.

The conflict in Yemen began in 2014 when the Houthis captured the capital, Sanaa. A year later, a coalition led by Saudi Arabia joined the fight on the government's side. The war has led to one of the most serious humanitarian crises in the world. The ceasefire agreed in 2022 lasted until this summer.

Importance for global energy trade

The Bab al-Mandab Strait connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. It is one of the key routes for transporting crude oil and other goods between Asia, Europe and the Middle East.

Fighting in Yemen is increasing concerns about the security of energy supplies. The situation is particularly tense due to restrictions on exports from the Persian Gulf countries after Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz, according to Reuters.

The Houthis have also been shelling targets in Saudi Arabia for several weeks, using missiles and drones. The Saudi authorities declare that their goal is to restore freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and to stop attacks on their own territory.