World·Yemen
Saudi-backed Yemeni forces say they retook the Bab el-Mandeb Strait coast from the Houthis
Saudi-backed forces of Yemen’s internationally recognized government staged a lightning advance Monday to retake the coast around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait up to the city of Mocha, pushing the Iran-backed Houthis out of most of the areas they seized last month, the government said, Reuters reported; Reuters could not independently verify the gains, and the Houthis called the claims baseless. Leadership council President Rashad al-Alimi confirmed the “recapture of strategic areas and sites in Dhubab and Bab el Mandeb,” the Washington Examiner reported, while Houthi fighters advanced near Taiz, leaving that city surrounded, according to government military sources cited by Reuters. Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan agreed at an emergency meeting in Riyadh on Monday to rapidly deploy forces in Saudi Arabia under their Mecca defence pact, Reuters said.
- Reuters (via Al-Monitor)Yemeni government forces drive Houthis from Bab el-Mandeb Strait
- Washington ExaminerYemeni government says it recaptured Bab el Mandeb Strait