Yemeni military source says Houthis dug trenches and laid mines near Bab al-Mandab

Houthi forces have dug trenches in mountainous areas overlooking the Bab al-Mandab Strait and laid mines in the strategic maritime corridor, an unnamed Yemeni military source told the German Press Agency (DPA) on Tuesday.

The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said multiple trenches had been constructed in mountains overlooking and surrounding the strait, one of the world’s most important shipping routes.

The source also alleged that Houthi forces had deployed a number of mines in the maritime corridor. The type, number and precise locations of the reported mines were not specified.

According to the military source, the measures were intended to impede attempts by Yemeni government forces to retake territory captured by the Houthis during recent fighting.

The claims regarding the trenches and maritime mines have not been independently confirmed, and the Houthis did not immediately comment on the allegations cited in the report.

Fighting between Houthi and government forces has intensified across several fronts in Yemen since the beginning of September, resulting in casualties among combatants and civilians and displacing tens of thousands of people, according to reports from the country.

The escalation has also produced reports of significant Houthi territorial gains in Hodeidah and Taiz governorates, including the strategic Red Sea port city of Mocha.