The attacks came after Yemeni forces seized the strategic port city of Al-Mokha in Taiz province and advanced toward one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints.
In recent days, Yemeni forces took control of key military positions, including the Khalid base and Jabal al-Nar area along the Al-Mokha coast, while also expanding their control over Al-Khawkhah and Hays in Al Hudaydah province and Al-Wazi’iyah in Taiz province.
The advances brought Sana’a forces within roughly 60 to 80 kilometers of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait before they moved to establish control over the strategic Mayyun Island, completing their hold over the vital waterway, according to reports.
With control of Mayyun Island, a key location positioned at the center of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait and used as a strategic monitoring point, Yemeni forces gained control over the maritime passage linking the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
Agence France-Presse, citing an official from the Yemeni government, reported that Yemeni forces had taken control of Mayyun Island, completing their dominance over the strategic strait.
The development followed the capture of Al-Mokha, after which Saudi-backed forces retreated south toward the city of Dhubab.
Meanwhile, Yemeni armed forces announced that they would soon issue a statement on a broad and unprecedented military operation against Saudi Arabia and its allies.
Yemeni forces also seized military vehicles and equipment after Saudi-backed fighters withdrew from the battlefield.
The rapid developments along Yemen’s western coastline have triggered a response from Saudi Arabia, which has launched extensive airstrikes against Sana’a positions in Taiz, Al Hudaydah, Al Jawf and Marib provinces.
The escalation also came as reports emerged of Saudi efforts to seek wider intervention over the growing strategic threat posed by the Yemeni advances.
According to Axios, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke twice by phone with US President Donald Trump on Thursday and asked him to order an attack against Ansarullah in Yemen as the resistance group moved closer to a critical Red Sea chokepoint.
Two US officials told Axios that Trump rejected the request, while American officials said the US government currently has no plans for direct military intervention against the Yemenis.
The reported Saudi appeal came as the capture of the coastal city by Ansarullah pushed oil prices higher on Thursday, given the strategic importance of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait for global trade and Saudi oil exports.
The latest strikes on Al-Mokha Airport followed the expansion of Sana’a forces’ control over areas overlooking the strategic maritime route, intensifying regional tensions surrounding the Red Sea corridor.