Yemen and the Red Sea

Houthis dig about 20 km of trenches in mountains around Bab al-Mandab

This version is a correction.

ASSESSMENT
Location
Bab al-Mandab Strait approaches
Actors
Houthis
Importance
Standard

Satellite imagery covering 8–16 September shows about 20 km of trenches in the mountains around Bab al-Mandab, positioned to block a coastal counteroffensive and to observe the shipping channel. A Yemeni military source had also said Houthi forces planted sea mines in nearby waters.

Verification: unverified

Evidence: Satellite imagery: ~20 km of Houthi trenches around Bab al-Mandab, Yemeni military source to DPA: Houthis trench and mine Bab Al-Mandab approaches

OSINT monitor post citing satellite imagery for about 20 km of trenches dated 8–16 September; earlier Yemeni military source claim of sea mines remains uncorroborated by a maritime warning.