Operation ‘Dawn Of Yemen’: Govt Forces Seize Bab Al-Mandeb, Sanaa Offensive Underway

Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council chief Rashad al-Alimi on Monday announced the launch of Operation “Dawn of Yemen”, a major military campaign aimed at reclaiming territory held by the Iran-backed Houthi militia, restoring state authority and advancing towards the Houthi-controlled capital Sanaa.

The announcement came a day after al-Alimi declared the start of military operations against the Houthis, saying the campaign would seek to restore state institutions, liberate Sanaa and end what he described as the militia’s coup.

“With God’s help, the will of our people, the bravery of our armed forces and all military formations, and the support of our brothers and friends, Yemen will move toward a new dawn of freedom, peace and stability,” al-Alimi said in a post on X.

The operation coincided with advances by Yemeni government forces in Houthi-held areas. The Giants Brigades and Nation’s Shield forces, backed by popular resistance groups, launched attacks on Houthi positions in Dhubab district, which overlooks the strategically important Bab al-Mandeb Strait.

Government forces subsequently claimed control of Dhubab and strategic positions around Bab al-Mandeb, according to Yemen’s state news agency. Majed al-Nuzaily, spokesperson for Yemen’s armed forces, said government troops had begun large-scale implementation of Operation “Dawn of Yemen”.

Al-Nuzaily later said the Giants Brigades and Nation’s Shield forces had taken control of Bab al-Mandeb, while Dhubab Airport had also fallen to government forces. He said hundreds of Houthi fighters remained surrounded in the Dhubab area and called on them to surrender.

Earlier on Monday, the Yemeni military announced a broad campaign of strikes against Houthi positions as part of the offensive. Al-Nuzaily said the forces had carried out more than 1,000 strikes targeting artillery and rocket-launcher positions, defensive fortifications, approach and reinforcement routes, supply lines, logistics facilities and combat reinforcements linked to the Houthis.

The military also announced the beginning of a “strategic offensive” targeting Sanaa, which has remained under Houthi control. Al-Nuzaily said the armed forces were deploying advanced capabilities as part of the operation aimed at the capital.