Taiz: The Yemeni army launched a counteroffensive, shelling Houthi positions in the southwestern province of Taiz on Sunday. This military response came after a Houthi offensive targeted the Port of Mokha, a strategic location near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.

According to Anadolu Agency, the army forces directed their firepower towards the Al-Mahroor area located northwest of Taiz city. Artillery units targeted Houthi concentrations on the Hameer front in Maqbanah and the Al Aqrud front in the Sabir al-Masrah district. Government forces also engaged Houthi forces at Al-Madarij hill, northwest of the city.

The government-operated Saba news agency reported ongoing clashes between government forces and Houthi fighters across various fronts within the province. The hostilities were intensified following the Houthi missile and drone attack on residential zones near the Port of Mokha in Taiz.

As the conflict escalated, the Media Centre of the Armed Forces reported renewed clashes involving a variety of weaponry between Yemeni government forces and Houthi fighters in Taiz. The army focused on disrupting Houthi gatherings and movements in strategic areas northwest of Taiz city and targeted the Humair and Al-Aqrud fronts. Artillery strikes were also directed at Houthi movements in Al-Mahrour, with reinforcements moving towards the city's eastern front being closely monitored.

The conflict between Yemeni government forces and Houthis has seen periodic escalations since last month, resulting in numerous casualties on both sides. Despite a relative lull in hostilities since April 2022, following nearly 12 years of warfare, the recent events mark a significant uptick in violence. The ongoing conflict involves government forces supported by a Saudi-led coalition and Iranian-backed Houthis, who have controlled the capital Sanaa and significant areas since 2014.