Houthis Fortify Bab al-Mandab Amid Anticipated Attack, Deploy Mines

The Houthi militia has intensified military fortifications in areas overlooking the Bab al-Mandab Strait in recent days, simultaneously deploying mines and establishing trenches, barriers, and military barracks in several mountainous locations and the Dhu Bab region.

Field sources indicated that the militia deployed bulldozers and heavy equipment to the mountainous areas overlooking Bab al-Mandab, commencing the excavation of trenches and the construction of military barriers and fortifications as part of strengthening their defensive positions in Dhu Bab and Al-Mukha.

The sources added that the Houthis brought in a specialized mine-laying unit from Sana'a and began planting mines in various areas of Al-Mukha and Bab al-Mandab, with the objective of impeding any potential advance by government forces and forces opposing the militia.

The fortification and mine-laying activities are occurring concurrently with Houthi military movements in the region, amid speculation that mines and barriers will be used to obstruct the progress of government forces and secure militia positions in the strategic areas overlooking the strait.

The Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Dhu Bab area are considered sites of significant military and strategic importance due to their oversight of one of the most critical international maritime routes.