Saudi-backed Yemeni forces expel the Houthis from several areas around key strait, officials say
Saudi-backed forces have launched a major offensive in Yemen, recapturing key towns near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait from Houthi rebels. The U.S. is providing intelligence and planning support to the coalition, citing a defense agreement with Saudi Arabia.
Why it matters
The escalation in Yemen and the renewed U.S. involvement in the conflict have significant implications for regional stability and international relations in the Middle East.
Forces of the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen have recaptured several key areas around Bab el-Mandeb Strait from Iran-backed Houthi rebels, Yemeni officials said Monday.
The officials said forces allied with the internationally recognised government have retaken the crucial town of Dhubab just north of the strait. They also captured the towns of Bab and Hadeid, said the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized 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 (October 5, 2026) under air cover by a Saudi military coalition.
Also covering this story
10 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
Yemen’s Houthis claim attacks on Aramco facilities in Riyadh
Yemeni govt strikes Houthis as tensions rise amid reports of planned Saudi offensive
Yemen Launches Drive To Reclaim Houthi Territory, Group Targets Aramco Sites
Houthis claim strike on Aramco site as Yemen fighting intensifies
Yemen announces military campaign to reclaim land from Iran-backed Houthis
Yemen government announces major operation to retake Houthi territory
Yemen’s Saudi-backed government launches military drive to retake all Houthi-held territory
Yemeni government launches offensive to seize all areas from Iran-backed Houthis
Saudi-led coalition dismisses ‘misleading’ Houthi claim of Riyadh attack - Al Jazeera
Yemeni and Saudi forces launch counteroffensive against the Houthis - Axios
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in