Yemeni Forces Claim Retaking of Mokha and Bab al-Mandab Amid Escalating Houthi Strikes
Yemeni government forces, backed by Saudi air strikes, claim to have retaken the Red Sea city of Mokha and secured the Bab al-Mandab Strait in a major offensive against the Houthis. However, conflicting reports suggest government troops only reached the city's outskirts, while the Houthis deny losing control. The conflict has escalated with Houthi missile and drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities and airports, prompting Saudi Arabia to destroy over 300 targets. International reactions include UN condemnation of cross-border attacks and emergency military deployments by Turkey and Pakistan under a joint defense pact. The fighting, part of the broader 'Operation Yemen Dawn,' aims to reclaim all Houthi-held territory but faces significant resistance, with civilian casualties rising and shipping routes remaining disrupted.
