Yemeni Forces Secure Bab Al-Mandab

Yemen’s internationally recognised government announced a major offensive to retake territory held by the Houthis, after rapid Houthi gains near the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab. Government forces said they retook Dhubab, cut Houthi supply routes and secured the strategic strait; Houthi media denied any government advance there. The war began after the Houthis seized Sanaa in 2014, and fighting intensified again in July. The Houthis said they gained ground around Taiz, while government forces acknowledged the city was effectively surrounded. Government leader Rashad al-Alimi said de-escalation had been exhausted. The Saudi-led coalition said about 100 fighter jets were supporting the offensive. Broader U.S. coordination was not publicly detailed.