Symbolic imageYemeni government forces claim Bab el-Mandeb area as Houthis hit back at Saudi Arabia
Saudi-backed Yemeni forces claim control of the Bab el-Mandeb area as their offensive against the Houthis continues. The Houthis deny this and are striking Saudi targets.
Government forces say they hold large parts of Dhubab district and the area around the strait, according to Reuters, which cites three military sources and one government source. A spokesperson added that they hold Dhubab airport and have encircled hundreds of Houthi fighters. The Houthi-run agency Saba denied this and called it a cover for defeats; none of it is independently verified. The Saudi-led coalition says about 100 jets flew sorties and destroyed 324 targets. Presidential Leadership Council chief Rashad al-Alimi had launched the campaign on Sunday, 4 October.
Houthi strikes on Saudi Arabia
The Houthis say they hit Riyadh's international airport and an Aramco refinery, and AFP reporters heard explosions in the capital on Monday evening. Their maritime body warned airlines that Saudi airspace is unsafe while "aggression" continues. The coalition says it destroyed weapons depots and boat and sea-mine storage in Hodeida.
Mecca pact meets
Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan met in Riyadh on Monday under their Mecca defence pact to discuss regional developments. The FT reports that Riyadh has not yet asked its partners to intervene.
Doubts and flight
Chatham House's Farea al-Muslimi called the push "too little, too late", citing fragmented and disorganised government forces. The Telegraph reports that thousands of Yemenis are fleeing by sea to Djibouti.