Saudi-backed Yemeni forces seize district overlooking Bab el-Mandeb, sources say

Aden, October 5 — Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces seized large parts of Dhubab district, which overlooks the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait, on Monday, three military sources and one government source told Reuters. The advance, backed by heavy air support from the Saudi-led coalition, aims to reverse last month's Houthi gains along the Red Sea coast; Houthi-aligned media denied that government forces had advanced. The internationally recognised government announced the offensive on Sunday, with Presidential Council chief Rashad al-Alimi vowing to fight "until the country is liberated from the grip of the terrorist militia." Fighting also raged around Taiz, where the Houthis have been pressing to surround government-held areas.

Source: Reuters, October 5, 2026. https://www.reuters.com/world/yemeni-government-forces-seize-district-by-bab-el-mandeb-military-sources-say-2026-10-05/