By October 5, 2026, the situation around the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait has undergone significant changes. Yemeni government forces, with active support from the Saudi-led coalition, have managed to push Houthi formations out of most strategically important areas adjacent to this vital transport artery. Establishing control over the coastal zone, including the city of Mokha and the Dubab airfield, marks an attempt by the government to secure oil transport routes that have been subject to regular attacks in recent years.
Strategic Importance of the Counteroffensive
: Maintaining the coastline near the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait is a critical task. The loss of positions near the strait significantly hinders the Houthis' ability to conduct direct attacks on merchant vessels navigating the Red Sea. Nevertheless, experts note that the threat remains: the mobility of the militants and the ability to deploy unmanned aerial vehicles from deep within the country allow them to continue destabilizing regional shipping.Conflicting Data
The situation in other sectors of the front remains extremely ambiguous. While the Yemeni Ministry of Defense reports success, sources describe a complex situation near the city of Taiz. Data varies here: five military sources confirm that the Houthis have seized part of a mountain road and effectively blockaded government troops, while other interlocutors categorically deny the blockage of the strategic route, insisting that loyalists maintain control.
