Iran pushing Houthis to use Bab Al-Mandab as regional pressure point, Yemeni general says

Major General Abdulaziz Al-Majidi, Chief of Staff of the Taiz Axis in the Yemeni army, said that ongoing battles between government forces and the Houthi group are still in their early stages, noting that the recent escalation is part of what he described as an "Iranian agenda" aimed at turning the Bab Al-Mandab Strait into a regional pressure card similar to the Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking to Al-Sharq, Al-Majidi added that the Houthis launched offensive operations on several fronts about 11 days ago, particularly on the western front toward Al-Kadha, Al-Barh, and Hays. He noted that during this period, the group fired more than 120 ballistic missiles at government forces and populated areas.

The Chief of Staff of the Taiz Axis stressed that recent breakthroughs on some fronts "do not mark the end of the battle," describing the confrontations as a "war of attrition," and confirming that military operations continue on various axes.

Al-Majidi accused Iran of driving the current Houthi military escalation, saying that hardline factions within the Iranian leadership are betting on the armed group in Yemen to achieve strategic objectives in the region. He added that Houthi movements toward the Hanish, Zuqar, and Mayyun islands reflect a desire to turn Bab Al-Mandab into a "second Hormuz" for Tehran to pressure the international community.

The Yemeni military official described this approach as a "reckless gamble," warning that its repercussions will not be limited to Yemen but will also affect international maritime security and global trade. He stressed that the biggest loser from continued escalation is the Yemeni people.

Al-Majidi affirmed that the current confrontation represents "the beginning of the real battle," emphasizing that temporary solutions or unstable peace agreements will not end the conflict with the Houthis. He said Yemen needs a "decisive battle" to end the armed group's control and restore state authority.

The Yemeni military official also highlighted what he described as the unity between the army and society in confronting the Houthis, confirming that popular support for government forces continues both during battles and periods of calm, through backing fighters stationed on the front lines.