Forces allied with Yemen’s internationally recognized government, supported by a Saudi-led military coalition, recaptured several key areas near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait from Iran-backed Houthi rebels on Monday, October 5, 2026. Yemeni officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, reported that the offensive retook the town of Dhubab, located just north of the strategic waterway, along with the towns of Bab and Hadeid. Witnesses observed government tanks and personnel entering these locations as part of a major offensive launched early Monday.
The military push followed recent Houthi advances in southwestern Yemen, where the rebels had seized territory and were moving toward a strategic provincial capital. In response, a regional official and a U.S. official stated that the United States provided intelligence sharing, target identification, and planning support for the counteroffensive. Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey also agreed to implement joint defense commitments following previous Houthi attacks.
Maj. Gen. Turki al-Malki, a spokesman for the Saudi-led coalition, stated that 100 fighter jets provided air cover for the ground forces. He reported that the coalition secured "air protection" for the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and destroyed hundreds of Houthi targets during the operation. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the Yemeni government had "a right to defend themselves" after being ousted from their territory, though he declined to provide specific details regarding current defense coordination between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia.
The re-engagement of U.S. intelligence and planning support follows a period where the U.S. had withdrawn from active participation in the Saudi-led coalition. The U.S. Embassy in Riyadh has cautioned U.S. citizens in the region to remain vigilant against potential retaliatory drone or missile attacks.
Moving forward, the Saudi-led coalition continues its air campaign to provide protection for the strait and government-held areas. There are no currently reported dates for diplomatic negotiations or a formal ceasefire. The Yemeni government continues its push to reclaim further territory in the southwestern part of the country. Government forces and Houthi rebels remain in active conflict across several provincial fronts.