Yemeni government forces reclaimed control of the Dhubab district and key positions near the Bab al-Mandeb strait on October 5, 2026, while a Saudi-led coalition deployed 100 fighter jets in support, Al Jazeera reported. The Saudi-led coalition designated the military operation as ‘Dawn of Yemen’.
Government Forces Seize Bab al-Mandeb Positions
Forces from the Nation’s Shield Forces and the Giants Brigades launched a large-scale military operation with air cover targeting Houthi positions across several areas of the Dhubab district. An unnamed army source told the state-backed news agency Saba that troops advanced and secured crucial areas. Government forces also seized an airstrip in the Dhubab district.
The Bab el-Mandeb Strait serves as a vital oil route whose seizure by the Houthis last month disrupted energy markets, according to Reuters.
Saudi-Led Coalition Launches Air Campaign
Shortly after the ground advance was announced, the Saudi Arabia-led military coalition confirmed an active air campaign against the Houthis. Coalition spokesman Major General Turki al-Maliki stated that 100 fighter jets provided round-the-clock support to the Yemeni ground forces. Al-Maliki added that the coalition secured air protection over the strait and destroyed hundreds of Houthi targets.
Strategic Offensive Targets Sanaa
Following the coastal advances, government forces announced a strategic offensive on the capital city of Sanaa, which has remained under Houthi control for more than a decade. The Houthis seized Sanaa in 2014, forcing the internationally recognised government to retreat to Aden and triggering a civil war that escalated after a 2022 truce collapsed in July. The conflict resumed after Iran sent a plane to Sanaa with a Houthi delegation without Saudi authorization, leading to Riyadh striking Sanaa airport.
Simultaneously, fierce fighting engulfed the southwestern province of Taiz. Regional sources reported that the Houthis entered the city of Al-Turbah south of Taiz after the commander of the Tur Al-Bahah axis fled to Aden, effectively cutting off the main road linking Taiz and Aden after blowing up a small bridge. The Tur Al-Bahah axis is affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood. Houthi forces also seized the mountains of Jaroud and Rasen and advanced toward Al-Safiya in the Al-Shamaitain district, while taking control of 75 percent of the Sam’a district. They further seized the home of Parliament Speaker Sultan al-Barakani in Wadi al-Barakani. Government sources noted the Houthis gained sections of a mountain road to leave government forces there besieged. Conversely, government forces repelled Houthi attacks in Bani Bakari, Sami’, Bani Omar, and border areas with Lahj province.
Ministers Convene in Riyadh for Defense Talks
The battlefield developments coincided with high-level diplomatic meetings in Riyadh under the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement.
Dar stated prior to the meetings that urgent talks would evaluate a proposal for political engagement with the Iran-aligned Houthis as an alternative to military action, following an approach initiated by Tehran.
Answers to key military escalation questions
When did the Bab al-Mandeb clashes and government offensive begin?
The current military escalation intensified in September 2026 when the Houthis seized Mocha and islands in the Bab al-Mandeb strait, leading to the government’s formal offensive announced by Presidential Leadership Council Chairman Rashad al-Alimi and the ground advances on October 5, 2026.
Which military brigades participated in the Dhubab district operation?
Forces from the Nation’s Shield Forces, the Southern Giants Brigades, and the Tihama Resistance carried out the large-scale operation with air cover from the Saudi-led coalition, according to reports from Saba.
What countries are part of the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement?
Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Pakistan are meeting under the defense pact to expand regional defense cooperation.
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