Houthis Capture Key Lahij Junctions to Sever Yemeni Coastal Supply Lines
Houthi forces captured the al Shatt and al Sarih junctions in southeastern Lahij Governorate on November 12, aiming to sever the Mokha-Aden ground line of communication and isolate Yemeni government-aligned units on the Red Sea coast. Iran continues to claim commercial vessels are striking naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz, despite US assertions that the strait is demined. In Iraq, the federal government suspended an investigation into oil smuggling by Kataib Hezbollah in Jurf al Sakhr after pressure from Iranian-backed political figures. The Houthis also claimed strikes on Saudi energy infrastructure and a military cargo aircraft, though these claims remain unverified.
Key points
- Houthi forces captured the al Shatt and al Sarih junctions in southeastern Lahij Governorate on November 12 after initial advances were repelled on November 11, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
- The offensive aims to capture Jabal Kharaz to establish fire control over the Mokha-Aden ground line of communication, potentially isolating Yemeni government-aligned forces on the Red Sea coastal plain.
- Iranian state media continues to claim that commercial vessels are striking naval mines in the southern Strait of Hormuz, a narrative ISW assesses is intended to undermine confidence in US escort operations.
- The Iraqi federal government suspended an operation to inspect oil smuggling activities by Kataib Hezbollah in Jurf al Sakhr, Babil Province, following interventions by Iranian-backed political leaders.
- Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed strikes on Saudi Aramco facilities, the Yanbu Oil Refinery, and the East-West Pipeline, though ISW notes these claims could not be independently verified.
Background
This development occurs amid a broader regional conflict involving Iran, the US, and regional partners, with previous reports indicating US and Israeli officials weighing strikes on Iran in November. The ongoing Houthi-Saudi conflict has displaced over 145,000 people in Yemen, and Iran has been advancing legislation to control the Strait of Hormuz. The current Houthi offensive in Lahij follows recent reports of coordination issues among Yemeni government-aligned forces on the southeastern front.
Why it matters
The Houthi capture of key junctions in Lahij threatens to isolate Yemeni government-aligned forces on the Red Sea coast, potentially weakening defenses around Aden City and enabling further Houthi advances. Iran's continued claims of naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz aim to disrupt global shipping and undermine US escort operations, while the suspension of the Iraqi investigation into oil smuggling highlights the influence of Iranian-backed militias on Iraqi government actions. These developments underscore the interconnected nature of conflicts in the Middle East and their impact on regional stability and global energy markets.
What to watch
ISW expects the Houthis to continue efforts to capture Jabal Kharaz and potentially outflank Yemeni government-aligned forces west of al Shatt. Iran may continue to assert claims of naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz to pressure ship operators. In Iraq, the suspension of the oil smuggling investigation may lead to further tensions between the federal government and Iranian-backed militias. The Houthis are likely to continue targeting Saudi energy infrastructure and military logistics to compel Saudi Arabia to meet their demands.
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