Yemen Government Forces Launch Fresh Offensive Against Houthis

October 18, 2026

Sana: Government forces in Yemen launched a new military operation on Sunday against Houthi rebel positions near the strategic Bab al-Mandeb Strait, sparking intense fighting between the two sides. A government military official told China’s Xinhua news agency.

The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that troops from the Giants Brigades and the National Shield Forces advanced from multiple directions, attempting to seize control of key Houthi-held positions overlooking the approaches to the strait.

Houthi positions pose increased challenge

According to the official, Houthi fighters resisted government forces’ advance from strong positions and trenches. An extensive network of landmines laid in the area also hampered government troops’ advance.

The official said, “We have witnessed one of the fiercest battles in this area. The Houthis have strengthened their positions, and our forces are trying to break through their defensive lines.”

He added that Houthi fighters also deployed first-person-view (FPV) suicide drones controlled by fiber-optic technology to target advancing government troops. These drones are known as “Shawaz.”

Several people on both sides were reportedly killed or injured in the conflict, although the exact number of casualties is not available. The outcome of the military operation remains unclear as fighting continues. Control over any significant territory has not yet been confirmed.

Bab al-Mandeb is crucial for international trade

The Bab al-Mandeb Strait lies between Yemen and the Horn of Africa. It connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and is a vital route for international trade and maritime transport.

The latest action by government forces in this area follows previous attempts to break through Houthi rebel defense lines.

Four drones destroyed in Saudi Arabia, missile launcher also destroyed in Yemen

Meanwhile, the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen announced on Saturday that it had intercepted and destroyed four drones over Riyadh and eastern and southern Saudi Arabia in recent hours.

Coalition spokesman Turki al-Maliki said in several posts on the social media platform X that coalition forces shot down four drones in different parts of the country. However, he did not provide details about the exact locations of these incidents or possible casualties.

Al-Maliki also reported that coalition forces destroyed two ballistic missile launchers in Yemen’s northern Saada province.

Rising tensions between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia

This development comes at a time of escalating tensions between the Houthi rebels and Saudi Arabia. In recent days, both sides have escalated attacks and military warnings.

The ongoing fighting around Bab al-Mandeb and the destruction of drones and missile launchers in Saudi Arabia have renewed the growing military activity in the region.