Ankara: The Yemeni army announced that its forces have captured significant areas from the Houthis in the northern province of Al-Jawf. The areas seized include key locations that have been critical in the ongoing conflict.

According to Anadolu Agency, the army's media center released a statement on the social media platform X, highlighting that the forces managed to cut off the Houthis' supply lines on the eastern fronts of Al-Hazm, the provincial capital of Al-Jawf. The statement detailed that the Yemeni army now controls the Al-Mutahaffat area, Al-Masariya Hill, and the surrounding hills near Al-Faraid Hill, marking a significant advancement in the ongoing conflict.

The statement further revealed that government forces have taken control of extensive earthworks and trenches stretching approximately 20 kilometers. These positions extend from Al-Duhaydah through Al-Saara to Bir Al-Maraziq, east of Al-Hazm. The conflict resulted in several Houthi fighters being captured, killed, or wounded.

Moreover, the statement mentioned that the army's aircraft conducted precise airstrikes on Houthi gatherings and positions, effectively destroying military vehicles and equipment. In a related development, the National Resistance Forces, aligned with the government, reported that their naval forces engaged Houthi boats in the Red Sea, compelling them to retreat north towards Hodeidah.

Despite these claims, the Houthis have not commented on the situation. Yemeni government forces have a history of announcing the destruction of Houthi boats off the coast of Mokha, a strategic location near the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

Fighting has intensified across several fronts in recent days, particularly in Taiz, Al-Jawf, and Al-Bayda, with airstrikes targeting Houthi positions. The escalation has affected neighboring Saudi Arabia, with recent Houthi attacks injuring 73 civilians in cities such as Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan, and Najran. The Houthis, accused of having Iranian backing, claimed responsibility for targeting facilities of the Saudi energy company Aramco and an airbase using ballistic missiles and drones.

Yemen has been mired in conflict since the Houthis took control of Sanaa and other provinces in September 2014. The Saudi-led Arab coalition intervened in March 2015 in support of the internationally recognized Yemeni government.