Yemen’s government forces and the Iran-backed Houthi rebels clashed violently on Thursday, resulting in significant casualties on both sides, according to military sources from each faction. The fighting reportedly occurred near the strategic Bab al-Mandab strait, a crucial maritime chokepoint.

Two Yemeni government military sources confirmed that 13 government personnel were killed during the encounters, including two officers. Meanwhile, a military insider affiliated with the Houthis stated that at least 11 rebel fighters died in the confrontations.

The government accused the Houthi rebels of attempting to advance toward the Bab al-Mandab strait, which connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and serves as an essential route for global maritime trade. Control over this area is highly contested, given its strategic importance.

Details regarding the exact location and scale of the clashes remain limited, but the confrontation underscores ongoing hostilities between Yemen’s internationally recognized government and the Houthi movement. The conflict, which has persisted for several years, continues to exacerbate the country’s humanitarian crisis and destabilize the region.

Neither side provided further comment on subsequent movements or plans following the latest exchange of fire. International efforts to mediate a ceasefire have struggled to produce lasting peace amid sporadic escalations such as this.