Yemen Forces Seize Dhubab as Fighting Intensifies Near Bab el-Mandeb

Yemeni government forces have seized the Dhubab district and key positions near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, according to military sources.

The advance followed clashes with Houthi forces in western Taiz province. Reuters also reported that Saudi-backed government forces seized positions in the area.

Yemen’s official Saba news agency said Nation’s Shield forces and the Southern Giants Brigades took control of Dhubab. Popular Resistance forces also supported the operation.

A military source said the forces launched a large operation with air support. The strikes targeted Houthi positions across the district.

Government forces then moved into several strategic areas. The source said they also cut supply routes leading toward Bab el-Mandeb.

The military source reported Houthi casualties but did not give a specific figure. It also said several military vehicles and pieces of equipment were destroyed or damaged.

The Southern Giants Brigades separately described the operation as a “decisive” offensive against the Houthis.

Yemeni Army Reports 1,747 Houthi Casualties

The Yemeni army said its forces conducted 1,122 operations against Houthi positions.

The army claimed that 1,747 Houthi members were “neutralised” during those operations. The figure is a claim from the government side and could not be independently verified.

Iran Warns It Will Target US Bases and Vessels if Ground Invasion Begins

Military spokesman Majed Abdullah al-Nuzaili said the operations targeted artillery and rocket-launcher positions.

They also targeted defensive positions, supply routes and military reinforcements. Command centres and other Houthi facilities were also among the targets.

Al-Nuzaili said the operations covered Saada, Al-Jawf and Taiz provinces. They also extended along Yemen’s western coast.

According to the spokesman, the campaign used warplanes, drones, artillery and missiles. Rocket launchers and snipers also took part.

He said the operations destroyed or disabled 364 military vehicles and transport assets.

Al-Nuzaili said government forces would continue their campaign. The stated aim is to retake state territory and restore government control.

Presidential Leadership Council Chairman Rashad al-Alimi announced the wider military campaign on Sunday. He ordered government forces and security units to retake territory held by the Houthis.

Yemen has remained divided since the Houthis seized Sanaa and other areas in 2014. A Saudi-led coalition intervened in 2015 to support the internationally recognised government.

Recent fighting has increased across western and southern Yemen. The latest offensive comes after Houthi advances toward strategic areas near the Red Sea.

Saudi Arabia Pledges Support for Yemen Offensive

Saudi Arabia said its coalition would continue supporting Yemen’s government and armed forces.

Coalition spokesman Turki al-Maliki said the support would continue until state institutions are restored. He also said the coalition wants to end the Houthi threat to maritime navigation.

Al-Maliki accused the Houthis of imposing blockades and displacing civilians. He also accused the group of diverting resources toward military activities.

He further accused the Houthis of recruiting children and damaging Yemen’s social fabric.

The spokesman cited attacks and attempted attacks against Saudi cities. He also referred to threats against shipping in the southern Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb.

Al-Maliki said Saudi Arabia has the right to defend its territory. He added that the coalition would take measures against threats from the Houthis.

The renewed offensive follows al-Alimi’s call for a broad military campaign. The Yemeni army has also described its operation as a “battle of liberation.”

Tanker Reports Explosions Near Yemen

Separately, a tanker reported multiple explosions near its position off Yemen’s coast on Sunday.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said the incident occurred about 60 nautical miles south of Al Mukha, also known as Mokha.

The vessel’s company security officer reported seeing several explosions close to the tanker.

UKMTO said the crew remained safe. No environmental impact was reported.

Authorities are investigating the incident. UKMTO advised vessels in the area to proceed with caution and report suspicious activity.

The agency did not identify the tanker. It also did not say what caused the explosions.

Iran Oil Minister Resigns

Meanwhile, Iran’s Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad has resigned from his post.

Iranian state media reported that President Masoud Pezeshkian accepted the resignation. Hamid Bovard, head of the National Iranian Oil Company, was appointed acting oil minister.

Paknejad cited personal reasons for his resignation, according to state media reports.

The change comes as Iran faces mounting pressure on its oil sector. US sanctions have also placed additional pressure on Iranian energy exports.

Bovard previously led the National Iranian Oil Company. He will now oversee the oil ministry on an interim basis.

The resignation adds another development to the wider economic and security pressure surrounding Iran and the region.