Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces have retaken several key areas near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait from Houthi forces, supported by heavy Saudi airstrikes. The offensive aims to secure the strategic Red Sea shipping route and push Houthi forces away from the area.

Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces have retaken territory near the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait from Iran-backed Houthi forces during a renewed military offensive, according to military sources and regional reporting. The fighting affects an area beside one of the world's most important shipping chokepoints linking the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. Houthi forces retain the ability to threaten shipping and have claimed retaliatory attacks on Saudi targets. The territorial change is a fresh development, but control remains contested and claims about individual strikes or damage require separate verification.