Yemen government launches major offensive against Houthis as fighting spreads

Yemen's internationally recognised government announced the launch of 'Operation Dawn of Yemen', a large-scale military campaign designed to retake the Houthi-held capital Sanaa and restore state institutions. According to Rashad al-Alimi, chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council, military forces have begun a 'strategic offensive' on Sanaa using 'modern capabilities'. Government troops have separately reported seizing the Dhubab district and surrounding areas near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a critical global shipping corridor.

Simultaneously, the military situation has deteriorated in the southern province of Taiz. Houthi fighters advanced and entered the town of Al-Turbah after government forces withdrew earlier the same day. This marks the first time the Houthis have held the town since the civil war began. Local sources indicated that the rebels have cut the road linking Taiz to Aden, effectively isolating the government-held province from Aden and Lahj.

These developments underscore the fluid, multi-front nature of the conflict. Whilst government forces have claimed strategic gains near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, they have simultaneously lost ground in the Taiz province. Control over the Bab al-Mandab Strait is strategically important, as Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and nearby waters have disrupted global maritime trade in recent years. Should government forces establish lasting control over this corridor, it could significantly ease pressure on international traffic.