Giants Brigades lead southern Yemen fightback against the Houthis

What happened

Al Jazeera Yemen reports that on October 5, forces including the Southern Giants Brigades—linked to the Southern Transitional Council (STC)—and troops loyal to Yemen’s internationally recognised government launched a major offensive against the Houthis near the Bab al-Mandeb strait. The pro-government forces say they have cut off the main road linking the Red Sea port city of Mocha with the Bab al-Mandeb, a critical maritime chokepoint for energy supplies.

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure, battlefield claim or single-source assertion should be treated as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source or a named official. The offensive is part of a broader national campaign announced by Rashid al-Alimi, chairman of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council, aimed at driving the Iran-linked Houthis from key coastal territories seized recently. This military push emphasizes the ability of anti-Houthi factions—including units with different political aims such as the STC-affiliated Giants Brigades and pro-government national forces—to coordinate on strategic objectives despite previous internal conflicts.

The Giants Brigades, commanded by Salafi leader Abd al-Rahman Abu Zaraa al-Muharrami, have their roots in the southern separatist movement and have become one of Yemen’s most formidable forces since first forming in 2015. Backed and reportedly trained by the UAE, they have led multiple offensives along Yemen’s western coast and maintained a largely non-aligned stance during prior infighting among anti-Houthi groups. Their involvement in this offensive is seen by some analysts as a political test of their allegiance between separatism and national unity.

Known from the source

• On October 5, Southern Giants Brigades and government troops launched an offensive against the Houthis near Bab al-Mandeb strait.
• The offensive reportedly cut the main road connecting Mocha with Bab al-Mandeb.
• The Giants Brigades are linked to the Southern Transitional Council and led by Abd al-Rahman Abu Zaraa al-Muharrami.
• The Giants Brigades have been active since 2015, were trained and armed by the UAE, and played major roles in coastal offensives.
• The offensive aligns with a wider campaign announced by Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council chairman against the Houthis.

What remains unclear

The group has previously conducted operations beyond southern Yemen, including in Hodeidah and Marib, suggesting a willingness to engage the Houthis across the country. However, the inclusion of “Southern” in their name and their ties to the STC fuel ongoing debate about their ultimate political goals. Observers like Aden Al-Ghad editor Fathi bin Lazraq argue that the Giants Brigades are committed to fighting the Houthis both politically and militarily regardless of geography.

What remains unclear: Confirm whether the central claim is corroborated; until then treat it as unconfirmed/hearsay. Independent verification of territorial control changes and road closure near Bab al-Mandeb. Casualty figures and damage assessments related to the offensive. Official confirmation of the commanding roles and affiliations of the forces involved.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: Al Jazeera Yemen. Open the source.