Yemeni government forces seize district by Bab el-Mandeb, military sources say

AI Summary

Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces seized positions in Dhubab district overlooking the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, according to military and government sources. The operation, supported by Saudi-led coalition airstrikes, aims to reverse recent Houthi gains near the strategically important waterway.

By Timour Azhari and Mohammed Ghobari RIYADH, Oct 5 (Reuters) - Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces seized key positions on the Bab el-Mandeb Strait on Monday, military and government sources said, as they fought to reverse last month's advances by the Iran-backed Houthis and drive them from the vital waterway. The government forces have taken large parts of Dhubab district, which overlooks Bab el-Mandeb, and are asserting full control over the area with heavy air support from a Saudi-led coalition, three military sources and one government source told Reuters.