Taiz:The Yemeni army has reported that 129 Houthi fighters were killed and 176 others wounded in recent clashes and airstrikes in the southwestern province of Taiz over the last two days.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, the Taiz Military Axis Command of the Yemeni army stated that government forces have maintained their offensive against Houthi positions in the al-Misrakh district, located south of Taiz city, for a second consecutive day. The operation, supported by local fighters and residents, has reportedly inflicted significant losses on the Houthi group.

The command further detailed that army units executed a raid on a Houthi position at the al-Aqrud front, resulting in additional casualties among the fighters. Additionally, 13 airstrikes were conducted Monday evening, targeting Houthi locations, including weapons, military equipment, ammunition depots, and gatherings throughout the Taiz province.

The command claimed that the combined efforts of the army forces and airstrikes led to the deaths of 129 Houthi fighters and injuries to 176 others within the past 48 hours. However, there has been no immediate response from the Houthis regarding these claims by the army.

The strategic importance of Taiz is underscored by its role as a connecting hub between Yemen's northern and southern provinces and its function as a critical transportation and supply route linking the interim capital Aden with the country's central and northern regions. The province also encompasses the Red Sea port of Mokha, located near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which holds strategic significance.

Since the intensification of fighting in July, government forces and allies have announced progress on several fronts, including regaining control of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and parts of the Dhubab district. Meanwhile, the Houthis have tightened their blockade of Taiz city from the surrounding highlands.

The ongoing conflict in Yemen began when the Houthis seized the capital Sanaa and other provinces in September 2014, leading to a Saudi-led coalition's intervention in March 2015 to support the internationally recognized government. Presently, the Houthis control much of northern and western Yemen, while government forces and their allies hold control over Aden and substantial areas of the southern and eastern provinces.