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 Mokha.

The advance does 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 Bab al-Mandab and Mokha, distinguishing the southern forces’ progress from complete control on the ground.

The developments therefore mark an advance along the coast, rather than a confirmed takeover of the two locations. The continued Houthi presence remains central to assessing the extent of those gains.