Saudi-backed forces recapture key areas around strait from Houthis in Yemen

Saudi-backed forces have recaptured key areas around Yemen's Bab el-Mandeb Strait from Houthi rebels as part of a major offensive. Yemeni officials reported that government-allied forces retook the towns of Dhubab, Bab, and Hadeid. This push, supported by Saudi coalition air cover, aims to reclaim territory held by the Houthis. The offensive follows recent Houthi gains, including the capture of Turbah, which cut a vital supply route to Taiz. The Saudi-led coalition stated that 100 fighter jets provided support and secured air protection for the strait, destroying Houthi targets. The conflict continues with heavy fighting reported in the Taiz region.

Yemeni government forces have launched a major offensive aiming to recapture territories lost to the Houthi movement, including advances near the strategic Bab al-Mandeb strait. The internationally recognized government announced the start of this offensive, claiming to have retaken the town of Dhubab and the port city of Mocha. These moves are intended to reverse recent Houthi gains, particularly around the city of Taiz, and to demonstrate the government's commitment to liberating the Houthi-held capital, Sanaa. Analysts suggest that while the government is setting the agenda, a complete military victory may be unlikely, with a negotiated settlement potentially requiring further escalation. The offensive aims to regain control of the Red Sea coast and contain Houthi advances in Taiz governorate.

Yemeni government forces claim to have secured the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a claim denied by Houthi-run media. The Houthis assert they launched missiles and drones at Saudi Aramco oil sites in Riyadh and Khurais in response to Saudi strikes. This conflict, ongoing since 2014, escalated in 2015 with Saudi-led coalition intervention. Recently, the Houthis launched an offensive along the Red Sea coast, taking areas overlooking the strait. They stated they would not threaten international shipping but would target Saudi vessels. Since August 6th, the fighting has resulted in at least 959 deaths and 5,000 injuries, with 197,000 displaced according to UN figures.

Mali's military regime, led by Assimi Goïta, faces a severe escalation of violence from al-Qaida-affiliated militants, Jama’at Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM), and their Tuareg separatist allies. Recent coordinated attacks, including ambushes and drone strikes, have inflicted significant casualties on Malian forces and their Russian mercenaries, resulting in the deaths of the defense minister and head of military intelligence. JNIM and separatists have also seized the key northern town of Kidal, reversing a previous junta victory. While outright regime overthrow is considered unlikely, analysts believe the insurgents aim to force concessions from the weakened government in the chaotic Sahel region, where previous international counterinsurgency efforts have failed.