Dozens of Houthi rebels killed or wounded in Yemen's Taiz clashes

Yemeni government forces successfully thwarted a significant attack by Houthi rebels in the western province of Taiz, reporting that "dozens" of insurgents were killed or injured during intense clashes throughout Friday. The military source, speaking to the state news agency Saba, indicated that the Houthi forces deployed a substantial number of combatants, supported by artillery, mortars, and drones, in their attempt to advance.

Despite the rebels' heavy armament and troop deployment, government troops managed to resist the assault, forcing the insurgents to retreat. The exact number of Houthi casualties remains unconfirmed, as the rebels have not yet issued a statement regarding the incident. This engagement marks a continuation of hostilities along strategic western routes leading to Taiz, Yemen's third-largest city.

Military sources also reported an escalation in drone attacks from both sides overnight and into the early morning in areas north of Mocha. Intelligence suggests the Houthis were reinforcing their positions along the Red Sea coast, moving forces from the central provinces of Dhamar and Ibb. Their objective appeared to be capturing coastal territory in the Bab al-Mandeb strait from government-aligned forces.

Taiz city is largely under the control of the internationally recognized government, but the Houthis hold significant territory within the province, leaving key access points vulnerable to recurring combat. The ongoing conflict in Yemen, which began when the Houthi rebels seized the capital, Sanaa, in late 2014, has created a complex and devastating humanitarian situation. The recent escalation fuels concerns voiced by UN envoy Hans Grundberg, who has repeatedly warned of Yemen's heightened risk of returning to a full-scale war, citing increased military activity across previously dormant front lines.

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dozens of Houthi fighters died or were wounded