Archive · 17 Sep 2026
Yemen's Mountain War: Houthi Push Could Shape Bab al-Mandeb Battle
Kahbub is a mountainous area in Yemen.
Its high position is important, but its location matters for another reason too.
It may help control movement between the mountains and the coast.
Government-aligned forces say the Houthis have tried to advance there.
Military sources told Al Jazeera that the Houthis used several kinds of weapons.
They also said the Houthis sent multiple groups of fighters.
If the area changes hands or becomes more contested, it could affect fighting near the Bab al-Mandeb.
The article does not provide a direct statement from the Houthis about these claims.
Kahbub’s importance stems from its potential influence over movement between Yemen’s mountains and coast.
Yemen’s government-aligned forces say Houthi forces have attempted to exploit the Kahbub front.
Military sources cited by Al Jazeera said the Houthis used different types of weapons.
The sources also said the Houthis deployed multiple combat formations during their attempts.
The push could affect the wider battle around the Bab al-Mandeb, according to the article’s assessment.
- Who
- Yemen’s government-aligned forces and Houthi forces are involved.
- What
- Houthi forces reportedly attempted to push further into the mountains around Kahbub.
- Where
- Kahbub, in Yemen, near the Bab al-Mandeb area.
- Why
- Kahbub could influence movement between Yemen’s mountains and coast and shape the wider Bab al-Mandeb battle.
- Location
- Kahbub, Yemen
- Strategic relevance
- The area could influence movement between the mountains and the coast.
- Reported attackers
- Houthi forces
- Reported tactics
- Use of different types of weapons and multiple combat formations
- Sources cited
- Yemen’s government-aligned forces and military sources cited by Al Jazeera
- Wider significance
- The push could affect the battle around the Bab al-Mandeb