Yemen: Fighting escalates around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait

Intelligence summary

Fighting is escalating in Yemen after Iran-backed Houthi forces seized strategic territory around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, prompting counterstrikes by government forces and reported Saudi air raids. The Houthis also claimed attacks inside southern Saudi Arabia and threatened to disrupt shipping through the key maritime chokepoint, raising fears for regional security and global trade.