Southern Forces Advance Near Bab al-Mandab, but Full Control Remains Unconfirmed

Southern forces have made gains in Dhubab on Yemen’s western coast, reaching the outskirts of Bab al-Mandab and moving toward Mocha.

The advances do not amount to the full recapture of either location, according to Yemeni military and strategic expert Khaled al-Nasi.

Al-Nasi said Houthi elements remain present in both Mocha and Bab al-Mandab, drawing a distinction between progress on the ground and complete control.

His assessment cautions against interpreting the southern forces’ movements as a completed takeover. The developments indicate an advance toward the two locations, rather than confirmation that Houthi forces have been cleared from them.