Taiz:Yemen: Government forces have reported significant territorial advances against Houthi fighters in the southwestern province of Taiz. This marks an expansion of a major military operation called 'Dawn of Yemen,' initiated earlier this week. The offensive has led to the recapture of strategic locations along the country's western coast and around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
According to Anadolu Agency, government forces have successfully retaken Jabal al-Manzara, al-Asharif, and Dhiban in the Hayfan district of southern Taiz. These gains provide the government with strategic advantages, including better surveillance of surrounding areas and secured supply routes.
On Tuesday, it was reported that approximately 100 Houthi fighters were killed and 150 were wounded during operations across Taiz the previous day. Additionally, five drones were downed, and several military vehicles, including a tank, were either destroyed or damaged. These operations are part of the first day of the 'Dawn of Yemen' offensive, targeting the northern, southern, and western fronts of Taiz city.
The offensive has also seen significant progress along Yemen's western coast. Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council Chairman Rashad al-Alimi stated that the operation's goals include restoring state institutions, retaking the capital Sanaa, and ending Houthi control. The pro-government Southern Giants Brigades and Nation's Shield forces, with air support from the Saudi-led coalition, are actively participating in the operation.
Government forces announced the recapture of the strategic Bab el-Mandeb area, including positions around Dhubab, after clashes with the Houthis. They also regained control of Mokha, the vital Red Sea port city in Taiz province, which the Houthis had captured in September. These developments have opened multiple fronts from inland Taiz to the Red Sea coast and Bab el-Mandeb, a crucial maritime chokepoint.
The Saudi-led coalition, backing Yemen's government, reported that 100 fighter jets were involved in the operation's initial phase, striking 324 high-value targets and providing ongoing air support, particularly around Bab el-Mandeb.
Despite these claims, the Houthis have contested the government’s accounts of the battlefield progress, labeling them as exaggerated. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed that the group conducted numerous strikes against Saudi-backed forces in Al-Jawf and Marib provinces, allegedly resulting in casualties and vehicle destruction. However, there has been no immediate confirmation of these claims from Saudi Arabia or the coalition.
The Houthis have also intensified missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia, targeting various sites, including airports and military facilities. Saudi Arabia's civil aviation authority confirmed attacks on Jazan and Najran airports, resulting in minor injuries and material damage.
The escalation follows significant Houthi advances along Yemen's western coast in September, where they seized key areas in Al-Hudaydah and Taiz provinces. The current government offensive aims to counter these advances and increase pressure on Houthi-controlled territories, marking one of the most intense rounds of conflict since a UN-brokered truce in April 2022. Yemen has been embroiled in conflict since the Houthis took control of the capital Sanaa and several provinces in 2014, leading to a Saudi-led coalition intervention in 2015.