Fighting at Bab al-Mandab as Saudi Arabia intercepts ballistic missiles

A Yemeni government military source reported renewed heavy fighting in the Bab al-Mandab area, alongside Saudi air strikes on Houthi positions.

The Bab al-Mandab strait lies between Yemen and the Horn of Africa, linking the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden, and is one of the most important sea lanes for global trade and energy supplies.

Renewed fighting there raises concern about international shipping, which has been affected in recent years by tensions in the Red Sea.

Yemen has been in a prolonged conflict between the internationally recognised government and the Houthis, amid continuing regional and international efforts to reach a political settlement.