Strategic Counter-Offensive Underway
Forces aligned with the internationally recognized Yemeni government, backed by a Saudi-led military coalition, have launched a significant counter-offensive to reclaim territory near the critical Bab el-Mandeb Strait. According to HuffPost, citing AP reports, government-allied troops have successfully retaken the town of Dhubab, alongside the towns of Bab and Hadeid. This operation, dubbed “Yemen Dawn,” follows a period of rapid territorial expansion by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels, who had recently seized the strategic city of Mokha and several Red Sea islands.
The Bab el-Mandeb Strait serves as a vital maritime chokepoint, facilitating the transit of approximately 12% of global trade. The recent Houthi advances threatened to consolidate rebel control over the Yemeni coast, prompting an immediate response from the Saudi-led coalition. Maj. Gen. Turki al-Malki, spokesperson for the coalition, stated that 100 fighter jets are currently providing air cover for the government forces, aiming to secure the strait and neutralize Houthi military capabilities.
Escalation of a Long-Standing Conflict
The current military escalation represents a major revival of Yemen’s 12-year civil war, which had been tempered by a four-year ceasefire. Tensions began to rise in mid-July following disputes over flight access at the Sanaa airport, eventually leading to a series of missile and drone attacks by the Houthis against Saudi Arabia and Yemeni government positions. The conflict intensified significantly in September when Houthi forces captured the town of Turbah, a tactical hub that connects Taiz province with the government’s interim capital, Aden.
Analysts from the Institute for the Study of War noted that the capture of Turbah by the Houthis severely constrained the ability of government-aligned forces to resupply front-line positions. By controlling critical roads in the region, the rebels effectively hindered both the reinforcement and potential retreat of government troops. The human cost of this renewed fighting is mounting, with the World Health Organization reporting at least 959 deaths and over 4,200 injuries since the recent surge in hostilities began.
International Involvement and Next Steps
The United States has maintained its support for the Saudi-led coalition, with officials confirming that U.S. assistance includes intelligence sharing, target identification, and strategic planning. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the coalition’s actions, emphasizing the right of the Yemeni government and its allies to defend against rebel advances. As the “Yemen Dawn” operation continues, Rashad al-Alimi, head of the Presidential Leadership Council, has called for increased international support to restore state institutions and reclaim the rebel-held capital of Sanaa.