Prime Minister Says Operation “Dawn of Yemen” Is Advancing Toward Full Control of Bab al-Mandab

The Yemeni Armed Forces announced that they carried out more than 1,900 precision strikes and direct engagementsover the past 24 hours under Operation “Dawn of Yemen,” neutralizing more than 1,150 Houthi fighters and destroying or disabling over 180 military vehicles and logistical assets, according to preliminary battlefield assessments.

The announcement came as Prime Minister Shaya al-Zindani confirmed continued government advances toward securing Bab al-Mandab, while Saudi authorities reported an attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh that caused injuries and temporarily suspended airport operations.

The Yemeni military said its operations targeted Houthi positions across the eastern, western, and southwestern fronts, including weapons and ammunition depots, fortified positions, military camps, artillery emplacements, troop concentrations, reinforcement routes, and transport and supply assets.

The strikes also targeted high-value military assets deep inside Houthi-controlled territory.

The military added that ground forces continued their offensive, recapturing positions, securing additional strategic high ground, and consolidating gains across multiple fronts.

Prime Minister: Government Forces Advancing Toward Full Control of Bab al-Mandab

Yemeni Prime Minister Shaya al-Zindani said Operation “Dawn of Yemen” was steadily progressing toward its objectives, with the Southern Giants Brigades and Nation's Shield Forces continuing their advance, backed by the Saudi-led Arab Coalition.

Al-Zindani said the offensive aimed to establish full control over Bab al-Mandab and Dhubab and secure the Kahboub Mountains following their recapture from the Iran-backed Houthis.

He described the military advances as reflecting the determination of Yemenis to end the Houthi takeover and restore state institutions.

The prime minister also accused the Houthis of deliberately targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure, citing the attack on Aden International Airport and continuing assaults in Taiz Governorate.

He said such attacks were intended to undermine public determination and obstruct efforts to restore state authority.

Al-Zindani praised the sacrifices of government forces and popular resistance fighters, particularly in Taiz, while reaffirming the government's appreciation for Saudi Arabia and the Arab Coalition's military support.

More Than 12,300 Targeting Operations Reported Across Two Military Phases

According to Sheba Intelligence’s review of successive military statements, Yemeni government forces had reported more than 10,429 targeting operations before the latest announcement, including 2,725 before the formal launch of Operation “Dawn of Yemen” and more than 7,704 during its initial phase.

Adding the latest 1,900-plus operations brings the combined reported figure to more than 12,329 targeting operations, including over 9,604 since Dawn of Yemen began, assuming the reporting periods do not overlap.

Separately, the Saudi-led Coalition has announced the destruction of a combined 542 Houthi military targets in three major operational updates since the campaign began. These figures are tracked separately from Yemeni military operations.

Riyadh Airport Attacked Amid Regional Escalation

In a parallel development, Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation announced that King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh came under attack on Saturday afternoon, causing injuries and prompting a temporary suspension of airport operations.

The authority said the suspension would remain in place pending damage assessments and safety inspections of airport facilities.

Airport authorities advised passengers to contact their airlines and verify flight status before traveling to the airport.

The attack comes amid escalating Houthi missile and drone attacks against Saudi Arabia, including recent strikes targeting Riyadh and civilian aviation facilities.

The developments highlight the increasingly interconnected military and security dimensions of the confrontation, as Yemeni government forces press their multi-front offensive while the Saudi-led Coalition continues operations targeting Houthi military and missile capabilities.

Securing Bab al-Mandab, Dhubab, and the surrounding strategic high ground remains a central objective of the government offensive, given the area's importance to Red Sea maritime security and access to the Gulf of Aden.