Taiz:Yemen's armed forces announced an investigation into reports of Houthi forces allegedly using projectiles containing toxic substances in Taiz, causing suspected poisoning and suffocation among civilians and resistance fighters.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, the Defense Ministry is taking field reports from Taiz seriously, concerning the alleged use of toxic materials. The ministry has called for an urgent investigation to ascertain the nature of these substances, document their effects, and identify those responsible for supplying them.

The Yemeni military reported continued Houthi attacks on Taiz, including sniper fire, indiscriminate shelling, and road blockades that hinder access to essential supplies like water, food, and medicine. The military warned the Houthis against targeting civilians or using prohibited warfare methods.

The armed forces emphasized their responsibility to protect civilians and break the siege of Taiz, pledging to take necessary actions in line with constitutional obligations and international humanitarian law. The ministry urged the United Nations and international organizations to address the alleged violations by the Houthis and support a swift investigation.

The ministry also called for international pressure to reopen roads and ensure unobstructed humanitarian aid to civilians. It warned that those responsible for attacks on civilians would face accountability.

Taiz remains a significant battleground in Yemen's civil war, with ongoing clashes between government forces and Houthi fighters since 2015. Recent weeks have seen intensified fighting, with government-aligned forces, supported by the Saudi-led coalition, conducting operations against Houthi positions in the province. This escalation coincides with renewed hostilities between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia, with both parties reporting military activities across Yemen and the region.