Iran’s dangerous proxy storms Yemen: Is the Houthi push for Bab al-Mandab just beginning?

Yemen's Houthis have opened multiple fronts in their fiercest territorial offensive against government forces since 2022, with at least 81 fighters reportedly killed. The escalation began with missile and drone attacks before Houthi ground forces pushed across Maqbanah, Mawzaa and Jabal Habashi in Taiz and toward strategic Mount Dabbas in southern Hodeidah. Saudi-backed government forces claim some lost territory was later recaptured as both sides rushed reinforcements into battle. With fighting intensifying near another crucial Red Sea theatre, could the Houthi push ultimately threaten the strategic Bab al-Mandab shipping chokepoint?