Yemen Government Says It Won Back Two Towns and Key Waterway

Yemen’s Saudi-supported government said on Oct. 5, 2026, it retook Dhubab and Mocha and effectively controls the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a narrow sea lane ships must use for world trade. Minister Moammar al-Eryani said fighting continued. If true, this reverses coastal gains by rival Houthis from early September. No outside confirmation yet.