Yemen's internationally recognised government launched a major offensive dubbed Operation Dawn of Yemen against Houthi rebels on Monday, aiming to retake the capital Sanaa and end Houthi control over large parts of the country. Around 100 Saudi aircraft are supporting the operation, striking hundreds of Houthi targets, according to the Saudi-led coalition. Presidential Leadership Council chairman Rashad al-Alimi announced the campaign, saying it sought to restore state institutions and liberate Sanaa.

Coalition spokesman Maj Gen Turki al-Malki said the jets had established air protection over the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait and destroyed 324 high-value Houthi targets. Yemeni officials said government forces captured much of Dhubab district near the strait, including its airport, and severed the road to Mokha, though the Houthis denied any gains. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the Saudi-backed government was expected to hit back and had a right to defend itself.

The offensive follows months of escalating clashes.