Yemeni government forces announce control over Bab el-Mandeb Strait

Yemeni government forces have established effective control over the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, Information Minister Moammar al-Eryani told Reuters on Monday, although clashes with Houthi fighters are still ongoing in the area.

Government forces reportedly made rapid advances along the coast with heavy Saudi air support, capturing key positions around Dhubab, the narrowest point of the strategic strait.

The waterway is a major oil route, and its reported seizure by the Iran-backed Houthis last month had triggered concerns in global energy markets.

Eryani said government forces had also taken control of the Dhubab airstrip and cut off remaining Houthi fighters in the area. However, another government source said fighting was continuing at a military base near the strait.

The Houthis rejected the government’s claims of military gains, calling them “completely untrue,” and warned that they would target aircraft operating in Saudi airspace.