The Saudi-backed Yemeni government in Aden declared on Monday afternoon that it is in control of the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait, according to The Zioneer. The claim follows earlier unverified reports that Saudi-backed forces captured the Dhubab area overlooking the strait. There was no independent confirmation.
The Saudi-backed Yemeni government in Aden declared on Monday evening that it controls the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a vital waterway linking the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. The declaration, reported at 17:05 Jerusalem, came alongside a Houthi warning to all airlines that Saudi airspace is "not safe."
Earlier Monday, reports emerged of significant advances by Saudi-backed forces in the Dhubab area overlooking the strait. At 13:04 Jerusalem, The Zioneer reported initial reports that forces of the Saudi-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) had entered Dhubab airport and taken control of the Murad area. At 13:56, The Zioneer published footage attributed to the arrival of Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces at the airport. By 16:52, The Zioneer reported that accounts linked to Saudi-backed forces circulated videos claiming control of the Dhubab area, including the Al-Omari base and Dhubab airfield, while the Houthi movement (Ansar Allah) continued to deny any loss of control. The government's declaration now asserts full control of the entire strait.
The Bab el-Mandeb Strait has been a central flashpoint in the conflict between the Saudi-led coalition and the Iran-backed Houthis. As The Zioneer previously reported, the Houthis have declared a no-fly zone over Saudi Arabia and warned airlines against flying in its airspace (Jul 14). Saudi Arabia has formed a 14-nation maritime coalition to protect Red Sea shipping (Jul 30). The Houthis have also claimed they and Iran jointly control the Bab el-Mandeb and Hormuz straits (Sep 12).
There was no independent confirmation of the government's claim of control. The Houthis have continued to deny the loss of territory, and the current state of control on the ground could not be verified. The Houthi warning to airlines further underscores the ongoing instability in the region.
4 developments
- StrongHouthis claim Iran and Yemeni forces jointly control Bab el-Mandeb and Hormuz straits
- DevelopingSaudi-adjacent daily: Yemen weighs blocking Bab el-Mandeb to Saudi shipping
- DevelopingHouthi movement declares closure of Bab el-Mandeb strait, threatens to fire on ships without authorization
- DevelopingHouthi military spokesman declared naval blockade against Saudi Arabia
Source and signal
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