The report concerns one of the region’s most important maritime passages. Bab el-Mandeb is described as a strategically significant strait and a vital oil route.
According to Tagesschau, government forces brought the strait under their control with the support of Saudi Arabia. The Yemeni forces are also described as being backed by Riyadh and as beneficiaries of intensive Saudi air support.
According to the South China Morning Post, the advance reportedly included key positions in the Dhubab area, at the narrowest point of the passage. ANSA also reported the claim concerning Dhubab airport, although the available material contains no further details or independent confirmation.
The claim was attributed by the South China Morning Post to Moammar al-Eryani, Yemen’s information minister. The other sources present it more generally as a statement by the Yemeni government or government forces.
According to the same newspaper, however, fighting with Houthi forces continued in the area despite the government advance. This leaves the actual extent of the control and its possible duration uncertain.
The situation on the broader front also remains contested: EL PAÍS reported that Houthi forces were strengthening their position in the Taiz area. The picture described by the sources therefore combines the claim of a success at the strait with the continuation of fighting on the ground.
The passage also has economic significance. According to the South China Morning Post, the Houthis’ previous capture of the strait had triggered strong reactions in energy markets; however, based on the available information, it is not possible to determine what effects the new claim of control is now having.