According to Lebanon's Al-Akhbar newspaper, the Houthi rebels, led by Ansar al-Heinz, have achieved a military breakthrough on the Kahbub front in western Lahj province, near the northern Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The report states that the Salafist "Giant Brigade" (anti-Houthi), led by Brigadier General Hamdi Shukri, has withdrawn from its forward positions on Kahbub after suffering heavy attacks. Sources added that the "Giant Brigade" chose to withdraw after dozens of casualties. The sources said this Houthi advance helps secure the eastern entrance to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait from military threat. Previously, the fighting was taking place approximately 35 kilometers from the strait.
