Houthi Forces Dig 20km Trench Near Bab el-Mandeb Under IRGC Supervision

Houthi militia forces, reportedly supported by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), have commenced the excavation of a trench approximately 20 kilometers long. The trench extends from the Kahbob mountains towards the Bab el-Mandeb strait, running parallel to the administrative boundary between the Lahij and Taiz governorates.

Field sources indicated that the militia deployed bulldozers and heavy equipment to begin the excavation work shortly after consolidating control over positions in the Bab el-Mandeb area. These operations are allegedly being conducted under the supervision of IRGC experts.

The trench and newly established fortifications are reportedly part of the Houthi efforts to bolster their defensive positions. The objective is to impede any potential advance by the Giants Brigades, Shield of the Nation forces, and the National Resistance, aiming to recapture coastal areas currently under Houthi control since September 9th.

According to the sources, the continued delay in military operations and airstrikes against the Houthis is providing the militia with additional time to strengthen their field fortifications, dig trenches, and lay mines. This activity is expected to increase the difficulty of any military operation to retake these strategically significant regions.