Taiz: More than 18 Houthi militants were killed and others wounded or captured as Yemeni forces repelled an attack by the group and launched a counteroffensive west of Taiz in the southwestern part of the country, the army's media center reported.

According to Anadolu Agency, Houthi militants launched an attack on army positions in the Maqbanah Mountains, west of Taiz province, with attempts to infiltrate areas of Al-Ahtoub, Al-Tuwair, Al-Kadha, and Jabal Ghabari. Yemeni forces thwarted the infiltration attempts before launching a counterattack against Houthi positions in these areas, supported by concentrated artillery fire targeting the group's positions and gatherings.

The clashes resulted in more than 18 Houthi militants being killed, with others wounded and several captured. The army added that the bodies of some Houthi fighters remained in the areas of clashes. Air defenses successfully shot down three Houthi drones that targeted army positions, and several Houthi vehicles were destroyed in the operation, resulting in the death of those aboard.

Yemen's official television broadcast footage showing Houthi prisoners captured by the army during clashes on the western fronts of Taiz. However, the number of prisoners was not specified. The Houthi group has not yet commented on the army's announcement.

The escalation in Taiz followed the Yemeni army's statement that the Houthis had targeted districts in Taiz and Hodeidah provinces with 14 ballistic missiles and drone attacks. Yemen has experienced a relative lull since April 2022 in a war that began nearly 12 years ago between government forces and the Houthis, who have controlled the capital, Sanaa, and other cities and provinces since September 2014.

Fighting has resumed in several provinces in recent weeks, including Marib, Al-Jawf, Al-Dhalea, and Taiz, as the country continues to face one of the world's worst humanitarian and economic crises. A Saudi-led coalition backing Yemen's internationally recognized government supports government forces, while Iran is accused of backing the Houthis. The Houthis announced a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia in July.