Yemeni forces aligned with the internationally recognized government, backed by a Saudi-led coalition, have driven Houthi rebels out of several critical positions along the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, according to local officials.
Supported by heavy coalition airstrikes, pro-government units launched a major offensive early Monday, seizing the key coastal town of Dhubab, located just north of the waterway, as well as the nearby settlements of Bab and Hadeid. Eyewitnesses reported government armored units moving into the reclaimed areas following the retreat of the Iran-backed insurgents.
Speaking to reporters, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted that a counteroffensive by the Saudi-supported government was anticipated to reverse recent rebel incursions. Rubio affirmed Saudi Arabia’s right to self-defense, pointing to bilateral defense agreements while declining to elaborate on operational coordination. Regional and U.S. officials indicated that American assistance has involved intelligence sharing, target coordination, and operational planning. In Riyadh, the U.S. Embassy advised American citizens to remain alert for potential retaliatory drone or missile strikes.
