Yemen’s government forces, backed by Saudi Arabia, have claimed to have put the strategic area of the Bab al-Mandab Strait under Iran-backed offensive against rebels.

The operation, baptized Yemeni’s Agim, aims to regain the territories and state institutions controlled by Houth, including the capital Sana, broadcast Telegraphy.

The World Army said the powers of the Giants and Nation’s Scheild Brigades took over the area of Bab al-Mandabi and Dhubab military airport, while cutting off the road linking Dhubiba and the town of Mokhara. According to the army, hundreds of Houth fighters are surrounded in the area.

Government forces have also claimed to have recovered Mokhan, a strategic portual city at the Red Sea. However, government and military sources quoted by international agencies have produced various versions, saying forces may have reached only the outskirts of the city.

Land offensive is being supported by an intensive Saudi air campaign. The Riyadh-led coalition said around 100 fighter planes are offering air support and that 324 targets named high-value have been hit.

On the other hand, Houth have claimed to have attacked targets in Saudi Arabia, including Riyadh International Airport and oil company objects Saudi Aramco. The damages claims have not been independently verified.

The escalation has also caused concern for air and sea security in the region. Houth has warned that Saudi airspace, with the exception of areas over the sacred cities of Mecca and Medina, is no longer safe for civilian aviation.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan held an emergency meeting in Riyadh, where the activisation of joint defence mechanisms and the sending of military forces to Saudi Arabia was discussed.

UN Secretary General Antónnio Guterres has condemned Houthi’s cross-border attacks on Saudi Arabia and has expressed deep concern about the escalation of fighting.

Bab al-Mandab is one of the world’s most important maritime corridors, as it connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Adden and the Arabian Sea and is a key route to international transport and energy.

The conflict in Yemen began in 2014 when Houth took control of Sana. Saudi Arabia intervened militarily in 2015 to support the internationally recognised government.

After a relatively long period of calm, fighting has escalated again. In September, Houth took a quick offensive on the southwest coast of Yemen and took control of areas near Bab al-Mandabi, including Mokhan and Perim Island.

Currently, government forces, with the support of Saudi Arabia, aim to restore control over this strategic corridor and advance towards Sana. Meanwhile, the parties’ claims of progress on the ground continue to be contradictory. /Telegraphy/