Saudi-Backed Yemeni Forces Expel Houthis From Several Areas Around key strait

Forces of the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen have recaptured several key areas around the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait from Iran-backed Houthi rebels, Yemeni officials said Monday, while the Houthis claimed attacks on Saudi oil facilities, airports and military bases as fighting escalated on Yemen's western coast.The Yemeni officials said forces allied with the internationally recognised government retook the crucial town of Dhubab just north of the strait, a vital shipping route that connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden.They also captured the towns of Bab and Hadeid, said the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to speak to reporters. Witnesses said they saw government tanks and forces entering the towns.The government push came as part of a major offensive launched early Monday under air cover by a Saudi military coalition.Brig. Gen.