Yemen Says Forces Seized Dhubab Positions Near Bab el-Mandeb

Yemen’s internationally recognised government said its forces seized positions in Dhubab district near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait as part of a newly announced offensive against Houthi forces. The claimed gains have not been independently verified, and fighting continues on other fronts, including around Taiz. The government announced the operation on Sunday, October 4, saying it aimed to retake territory held by the Houthis. Military and government sources said forces had taken large parts of Dhubab, in western Taiz province, and strategic positions near the strait. A military statement said units from the Homeland Shield Forces and the Giants Brigades took part, with air support. A military source said the advance disrupted supply routes leading toward Bab el-Mandeb. The government also reported that Houthi fighters were killed or wounded and military equipment damaged, but those claims have not been independently confirmed. Earlier Houthi-aligned media had denied that government forces made advances in the area. Yemen’s military spokesman, Brigadier General Majid al-Nuzaili, said government forces carried out more than 1,000 strikes against Houthi targets.