Taiz:Yemen: Yemeni army forces have successfully seized the Dhubab district and strategic locations around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait following confrontations with the Houthi rebels.

According to Anadolu Agency, Yemen's official Saba news agency reported that the operation was conducted by forces from the Nation's Shield and the pro-government Southern Giants Brigades, with support from the Popular Resistance. These forces have taken control of the Dhubab area in the western Taiz province.

A military source revealed to Saba that the forces initiated a large-scale offensive with aerial backing, targeting Houthi positions across various areas within the district. The operation led to capturing key positions and cutting off supply lines and routes leading to Bab el-Mandeb.

The source reported casualties among Houthi fighters, with several killed or injured, and noted the destruction or damage of multiple military vehicles and equipment. In a separate announcement, the Southern Giants Brigades declared the start of a 'decisive' military operation against the Houthis in the Bab el-Mandeb area.

Contradicting these reports, the Houthi-controlled Saba news agency quoted a military source denying any government advances toward Dhubab, labeling such claims as 'baseless.'

Subsequently, the Yemeni army confirmed the recapture of positions from the Houthis on the Al-Aqroud front, located south of Taiz city. The operation resulted in casualties among the Houthi fighters, with government forces also destroying a combat vehicle and seizing another during a midday assault, as stated by the army's Taiz Military Command on Facebook. No specific casualty figures or additional details on the reclaimed positions were provided, and the Houthis have not yet issued a comment.

Bab el-Mandeb is a crucial waterway linking the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea, serving as a vital channel for international maritime traffic.