Yemeni government forces retake key Bab al-Mandab coast, reach Mokha

The Yemeni government announced Monday that its Saudi-backed forces made rapid advances to regain control of the coast overlooking the Bab al-Mandab Strait, reaching the outskirts of the city of Mokha and expelling Iran-aligned Houthi fighters from most areas they seized last month. Four government sources said internationally recognized government forces, supported by intense Saudi airstrikes, arrived at Mokha's outskirts late Monday as Houthi fighters withdrew to mountain highlands. The defense ministry declared it had retaken the city, including strategic sites like an airstrip at the strait's entrance, a vital oil route whose Houthi capture had shocked energy markets. Reuters could not independently verify the gains, and the Houthis dismissed the claims as baseless. The Houthis control populous areas including the capital Sanaa since 2014. Retaking the coastal region would complicate Houthi efforts to disrupt shipping, though they could still target vessels with drones from other coastal or inland positions.