Yemen/UAE: Bab Al-Mandab battle

Heavy fighting was reported as Emirati and forces loyal to President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi tried to reclaim control of the Bab Al-Mandeb strait and restrict arms transfers and other flows to Houthi forces in northern Yemen. Substantial Houthi deaths were reported, but analysts also suggested that UAE and other deaths might also emerge. GSN understands the offensive was supported by western strategic planners. The offensive forms part of the Golden Spear operation launched by the Saudi-led coalition and Hadi’s government to drive Houthi/General People’s Party (GPC) forces from the western coast, starting from the Bab Al-Mandab and extending to Red Sea ports Mokha and Hudaida.