Yemen Government Claims Retaking Mocha and Bab el-Mandeb Strait

On October 5, 2026, Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces claimed to have retaken Dhubab and Mocha and secured effective control of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a vital chokepoint for global trade. Information Minister Moammar al-Eryani said fighting continued. The claim, if confirmed, would reverse Houthi coastal gains from early September. Independent verification was not available.