Yemeni government forces, backed by Saudi-led coalition airstrikes, launched Operation Dawn of Yemen in early October 2026 and claimed rapid gains retaking Dhubab district, its airfield, and positions near Mocha, asserting control over the Bab el-Mandeb Strait approaches from Houthi fighters. Houthi sources rejected these advances as unverified propaganda and reported continued operations plus retaliatory strikes on Saudi targets. Earlier Houthi seizures of Mocha, Dhubab, and Perim Island in September had sharply reduced transits—down roughly 20-50% from prior averages—with many vessels rerouting or traveling with transponders disabled amid missile and drone threats, though no formal closure was declared and limited traffic persisted. The contested coastal control directly shapes navigation risk and shipping volumes through this Red Sea chokepoint, with further ground fighting or sustained Houthi long-range capabilities likely to influence any market resolution on effective closure.