Full Breakdown
Southern Giants Brigades Lead Offensive to Reclaim Bab al-Mandeb
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Core Offensive Near Bab al-Mandeb
On October 5, groups linked to the former Southern Transitional Council (STC)—including the Southern Giants Brigades—and troops of Yemen’s internationally recognised government launched an offensive against the Houthis near the Bab al-Mandeb strait. The operation aimed to cut the main road linking Mocha with the strait and to push Houthi forces from key Red Sea coastal positions.
Background & Context
The Houthis seized Bab al-Mandeb and surrounding towns last month, threatening a vital shipping route. The Saudi-backed coalition responded with Operation Yemen Dawn to retake lost territory. Earlier alliances between STC-affiliated forces and government troops have been fragile; a 2022 defeat led many southern units, including the Giants Brigades, to align with Riyadh-backed initiatives.
Key Figures & Groups
- Abd al-Rahman Abu Zaraa al-Muharrami — commander of the Southern Giants Brigades, member of the Presidential Leadership Council since April 2022.
- Rashid al-Alimi — chairman of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council, announced the offensive.
- Mohammed Al-Jaber — Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Yemen, declared Bab al-Mandeb cleared of Houthi remnants.
- Anwar al-Tamimi — spokesperson for the Southern Transitional Council, described the operation as protecting the south’s borders.
- Fathi bin Lazraq — editor of *Aden Al-Ghad* newspaper, critic of southern separatism.
Data & Statistics
- Yemeni military sources reported advances around Bab al-Mandeb but not full control of the waterway.
- Saudi-backed forces have retaken Dhubab, Bab and Hadeid.
- Dozens of Houthi fighters were reported killed or wounded; 22 government soldiers and Popular Resistance fighters were killed.
- At least five Saudi nationals were wounded in a missile attack on Riyadh’s civilian airport.
Official Statements & Responses
- Yemeni military officials said forces were advancing around Bab al-Mandeb and continuing operations in Marib under Operation Dawn of Yemen.
- Houthi political bureau member Hizam al-Asad told AFP that Saudi-led forces attempted to advance from Ras al-Ara in Lahj governorate but were repelled.
- STC President Aidarous al-Zubaidi, posting on X, offered condolences to fallen fighters and warned that victories should not be claimed by others.
Criticism & Opposition
- Fathi bin Lazraq argued that the Giants Brigades, while powerful, remain a separatist force and that their “Southern” label does not guarantee commitment to national unity.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Saudi diplomatic sources claim the strait has been cleared of Houthi forces, whereas Yemeni military sources describe the area as still contested.
- The Houthis assert they repelled the Saudi-led assault, contradicting coalition claims of progress.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Blessed Friday, and victory for every Yemeni and Arab. Bab Al-Mandab has been cleared of the remnants of the Houthi terrorist militia,” — Mohammed Al-Jaber
What’s Next
The coalition plans to continue securing Bab al-Mandeb and surrounding islands, with further operations expected in the coming weeks to consolidate control over the strategic waterway.