In a significant escalation of the Yemen conflict, Saudi-backed forces of the Internationally Recognized Government (IRG) have launched a major offensive to retake territory from Houthi forces. Reports confirm that anti-Houthi units have successfully retaken the strategic Bab al-Mandab coastline and the Dhubab airfield, effectively besieging Houthi forces on Perim Island. The offensive, which began on October 5, 2026, aims to reverse Houthi gains made in September, including the capture of the Red Sea port of Mukha.
Saudi Arabia is providing extensive air support, with coalition spokespersons reporting the destruction of over 300 Houthi targets on the first day of operations. The activation of the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement has also seen the deployment of Turkish and Pakistani forces to the Kingdom to bolster defensive operations against Houthi strikes on Saudi infrastructure. Despite these gains, the situation remains fluid, with Houthis halting the government advance south of Mukha and seizing the city of al-Turba in Taizz governorate.
The current phase of the war has been described as the most violent since 2015, with thousands of fatalities reported in recent weeks. As diplomacy remains stalled, Houthi forces have intensified their attacks on Saudi targets, including Aramco facilities and airports in Riyadh and Jizan.
Source: ACLED