PNN – The advance of Yemeni armed forces across various fronts along the country’s western coast continues; with the liberation of Zuqar and the Greater and Lesser Hanish islands, the Bab al-Mandab Strait has come under the near-total control of Ansarullah fighters.
According to the report of Pakistan News Network; an Al-Mayadeen TV correspondent in Sana’a reported that Yemeni armed forces, continuing their advance along the western coast, have reached the Greater and Lesser Hanish islands in the vicinity of Bab al-Mandab.
Media sources report that, following the conclusion of hostilities, Yemeni forces also secured full control of Zuqar Island and captured more than 1,500 Saudi mercenaries.
With Yemeni forces securing these islands in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, Ansarullah has consolidated its control over this strategic global waterway, through which 10 percent of the world’s energy supplies pass.
Arab media outlets have also released images showing fighters from the Ansarullah movement and Yemeni armed forces present in the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
Yahya Saree: Six areas in Al-Hudaydah and Taiz liberated; nine Saudi warplanes shot down
Brigadier General Yahya Saree, spokesman for the Yemeni Armed Forces, detailed the advances made by these forces on the West Coast fronts of Yemen in a video statement.
The statement noted: We launched the operation on September 3rd with the broad participation of the people and free tribes of Yemen. This extensive and special operation was carried out along multiple axes to drive out concentrations of Saudi forces from certain areas of the West Coast.
Yahya Saree added: Saudi mercenaries committed the most heinous crimes against civilians and attempted to bring Yemeni territory under Saudi occupation and control. This operation was successfully concluded despite the extensive air cover provided by the Saudi enemy to support its forces; the enemy was unable to influence the course of the operation.
He continued: This operation achieved the following results: 1. Saudi-allied mercenaries were driven out of six districts across the Taiz and Al-Hudaydah governorates—covering an area of over 5,400 square kilometers—and these regions are now secure and stable. 2. Seven military formations of Saudi-allied mercenary forces, comprising a total of 38 military brigades, were targeted; as a result of the operation, hundreds of these mercenaries on the West Coast were killed, captured, or wounded. 3. A number of our fellow fighters, who had been held captive by Saudi-allied mercenaries on the West Coast for years, were liberated. 4. We successfully conducted 32 counter-operations against Saudi warplanes and shot down nine aircraft.
The spokesman for the Yemeni Armed Forces stated: Salute to our great Mujahid army for its struggle and immense sacrifices in the path of God and in defense of our people and country. Deep respect and salutations to our cherished people and the free tribes of Yemen for their support of the armed forces in the battle for freedom and independence.
Yahya Saree noted: We emphasize that maritime navigation is safe for all companies, with the exception of Saudi vessels, whose movement has previously been banned. We continue to enforce the ‘blockade for blockade’ equation, target Saudi enemy concentrations, and respond to escalation with escalation, until the aggression ceases and the blockade on our people is lifted.
Ansarullah Movement Warns Saudi Arabia: Escalation for Escalation
Hizam al-Asad, a member of the political bureau of Yemen’s Ansarullah movement, wrote on his personal X account: In line with the ‘escalation for escalation’ equation, any attack by the Saudi enemy on infrastructure, airports, or ports in Al-Mukha, Dhubab, Mayyun, and other areas of Yemen will be met with a reciprocal response.
In the latest developments on the ground, Reuters—citing two sources within the Saudi-aligned Yemeni government—reported that Saudi-backed Yemeni forces have withdrawn from Perim Island, located in the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
A local official also announced that Yemeni armed forces have seized control of Mayun Island and completed the capture of the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
Additionally, citing informed sources, Reuters reported that Yemeni armed forces have reached the coastal city of Dhubab, located in the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
An Al-Mayadeen correspondent also reported that the situation in Al-Mukha—which is fully controlled by the Yemeni army—has returned to normal, and government institutions have resumed operations.
A correspondent for Al-Ettijah network announced that Yemeni armed forces would transfer captured Saudi-backed mercenaries and their weapons to Sana’a in the coming hours.
The Naya news network released footage showing Yemeni armed forces in the Zayed al-Sakina district of Al-Mukha.
Images of the port of Al-Mukha and its international airport have also been released following the seizure of control over these two locations by Yemeni armed forces.
Meanwhile, Arab sources reported that Saudi-led coalition fighter jets bombed Al-Mukha Airport—located in Taiz Governorate on Yemen’s west coast—twice. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) also announced that at least 46,000 people have been displaced due to recent clashes in southwestern Yemen.
Additionally, citing Yemeni media outlets, the U-News agency released footage reporting a ballistic missile attack by Yemeni armed forces on positions held by Saudi-backed mercenaries in the Ras al-Ara area, along the coast of Lahj Governorate.
Footage has also been released showing the destruction of a military convoy belonging to Saudi-backed mercenaries on the West Coast by Yemeni armed forces.