Saudi-Backed Yemeni Forces Push Houthi Rebels from Strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait

Yemeni government forces backed by a Saudi-led coalition have reportedly advanced into coastal areas including the town of Morka, pushing Iran-aligned Houthi rebels away from the vital Bab el-Mandeb strait. The military push aims to regain control of critical Red Sea waterways that Houthis had seized in recent months, threatening global shipping and oil trade. In response, Houthi rebels claimed to have launched strikes targeting key Saudi infrastructure, including King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and Aramco facilities in Rabigh, though these claims remain independently unverified. Despite losing some ground along the coast, Houthi forces continue to pose a threat using missiles and drones targeting Red Sea maritime traffic. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan have reinforced security cooperation through the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement to counter ongoing Houthi attacks. The Houthis, who have controlled Sana'a and northern Yemen since 2014, dismissed the government's territorial claims as unfounded propaganda.