it, military sources told AFP. The Yemeni government last week announced a counter-offensive aimed at retaking all areas held by the Houthis. The Houthis confirmed that government forces had attacked in the Bab al-Mandab area — a key chokepoint for Red Sea oil and cargo shipping — but claimed to have repelled them. Claims by the warring parties have been impossible to independently verify, with the situation moving fast on the ground and access for journalists difficult. Analyst Anna Jacob of the Arab Gulf States Institute predicted the Saudis would take an even tougher tack against the Houthis in response to the recent attacks. "One thing is for sure, we are moving up the escalation ladder in a very dangerous way," she said. (AFP) Edited by Tony Sabine

2026-10-11 08:27:00