Yemen government declares full-scale war as forces seize positions near Bab el-Mandeb

Yemen's internationally recognized government has announced the start of full-scale military operations against the Houthi movement after government troops, supported by Saudi Arabia, captured strategic positions near the Bab el-Mandeb strait.

Three military sources and one government source said government forces took large parts of the Dubab district above the strait and have assumed full control of the area with heavy air support from the Saudi-led coalition. The Houthis denied those claims.

Rashad al-Alimi, head of the internationally recognized government of Yemen, said in a televised address that his administration is launching a campaign to retake territory held by the Houthis.

"Today I announce the start of military operations to retake the remaining territory of the republic and to extend the authority of the state and its institutions over the entire national territory," Al-Alimi said.

Saudi role and objectives

Saudi Arabia, which arms and trains government forces, is providing air strikes in support of the offensive and has requested logistical assistance from its partners to push back the Houthis, restore free navigation through the Red Sea and halt attacks by the group on Saudi territory.

Although fighting is reported on multiple fronts across Yemen, the heaviest clashes are concentrated in the coastal zone near the Bab el-Mandeb strait and in the hills surrounding the city of Taiz, where the Houthis have sought to encircle government positions.

Yemen remains one of the world's poorest countries. The current conflict traces back to 2014, when the Houthis seized the capital Sanaa and later took control of large parts of the country's north.

Photo: AP)