Saudi-Backed Yemeni Forces Launch Major Offensive Against Houthis Near Vital Trade Route

Yemeni government forces claimed Monday to have retaken key positions near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a vital chokepoint for global trade, as they launch a renewed campaign to roll back recent gains made by the Iran-backed Huthi movement.

The developments came as the US Embassy in Saudi Arabia warned American citizens Monday of potential drone and missile attacks on the country, while Riyadh condemned what it described as escalating Huthi attacks targeting civilians, economic facilities and maritime traffic.

Yemeni military spokesperson Majid al-Nuzaili said on X that government forces "have succeeded in controlling Bab al-Mandeb" and regained control from the Huthis of a key road linking Dhubab district and the port town of Mocha. CNN has not independently verified the claim.

The government forces, which are backed by Saudi Arabia, have also "begun implementing a strategic offensive operation" against the Huthi-controlled capital, Sanaa, he said. If successful, the offensive could loosen the Huthis’ grip on Bab al-Mandeb, where their attacks on Saudi oil exports diverted from the Strait of Hormuz have threatened to drive prices even higher just weeks before the US midterm elections.

The Huthi-run Saba News Agency denied reports that the Yemeni troops and Saudi-led coalition forces are advancing. It quoted an unidentified military source as saying that the alleged gains are “fictitious” and an “attempt to cover up repeated failures and defeats.”

Later Monday, the Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center (HOCC), a Huthi-run maritime coordination body, warned airlines against flying in Saudi airspace, stating it is unsafe as long as Saudi aggression continues.

Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan agreed Monday to move forward with the implementation of collective defense measures under the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement following an emergency meeting in Riyadh focused on security threats facing the kingdom. The Saudi-led coalition battling the Huthis pledged full support on Sunday to Yemen’s internationally recognized government in its campaign to retake territory.

Yemeni analyst Fatima Alasrar wrote Monday on X that the fighting marks a significant turning point, noting that Huthi coastal momentum is broken and territory taken in September is beginning to unravel.

Rashad al-Alimi, head of Yemen’s presidential council, said in a televised speech Sunday that the military operations aimed to reclaim territory and restore state authority across the country. Meanwhile, Saudi Maj. Gen. Turki al-Maliki stated over the weekend that the coalition will continue providing full operational support to Yemeni government forces.