Yemen has entered a new phase of its long-running conflict as the internationally recognised government launched a major military offensive to retake the capital, Sanaa, from the Iran-backed Houthi rebels. The operation seeks to reverse recent Houthi gains and has raised fresh concerns over security along the Red Sea corridor.

Saudi Arabia-led coalition forces have deployed 100 fighter jets to support government troops. The coalition has also struck 324 high-value Houthi targets. Government forces are advancing towards the strategically important Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a key shipping route linking the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden.

Yemen President Rashad al-Alimi announced the beginning of the operation, named "Dawn of Yemen". He said the campaign would restore state institutions, "liberate" the capital Sanaa and end Houthi control. A military spokesperson also urged the Houthis to lay down their weapons.

Saudi-led coalition spokesperson Saudi Maj. Gen. Turki al-Malki said 100 fighter jets are supporting forces loyal to Yemen's internationally recognised government. He said the coalition has secured "air protection" of the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait and destroyed hundreds of Houthi targets during the campaign.

Government forces have captured large parts of Dhubab district, which overlooks the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. They are seeking to establish full control over the area with extensive air support, Reuters reported, citing three military sources and one government source. Houthi-aligned media had earlier rejected reports that government forces had made advances in the area.

The latest fighting has also increased concerns over global energy supplies. Iran's closure of the Hormuz Strait has already restricted Gulf energy exports. Renewed fighting in Yemen now threatens another major oil export route. The development has pushed global prices higher and created another security risk in an already volatile Middle East.

The escalation has revived Yemen's civil war after a four-year ceasefire between the warring sides. The Houthis, formerly known as Ansar Allah, have controlled Sanaa and large parts of northwestern Yemen since 2014. Most of the country's population lives in areas controlled by the group.

The Houthis launched a surprise offensive last month amid the ongoing US-Iran war. They captured the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and around 150 km (90 miles) of Red Sea coastline within weeks. The rebels also announced a blockade on Saudi shipping in the Red Sea and attacked several Saudi-linked vessels.

The government offensive now seeks to push the Houthis back from strategic areas and create a path towards Sanaa. The battle for control of the capital could further reshape the balance of power in Yemen while placing greater pressure on one of the world's most important maritime routes.