Saudi-Backed Yemeni Forces Claim Control of Strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait Yemen | October 6, 2026 Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces have claimed control of the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait after launching a major offensive against Iran-aligned Houthi forces along Yemen’s western coast. Yemeni officials said government forces captured key positions around Dhubab, Bab and Hadeed and advanced toward the port city of Mocha, with heavy Saudi air support. The offensive is part of an operation known as “Yemen Dawn.” The Bab el-Mandeb Strait connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and is one of the world’s most important maritime routes. Any disruption to shipping through the strait could have major consequences. The escalation comes amid intensified fighting across Yemen. Saudi Arabia has also reported Houthi attacks targeting airports in Jazan and Najran, with three people reportedly injured. The United Nations migration agency has reported that more than 184,000 people have been displaced since the latest escalation began, adding to Yemen’s already severe humanitarian crisis