Four Yemeni Soldiers Killed in Clashes with Houthi Rebels

Four Yemeni government soldiers died and ten were wounded in intense fighting against Houthi rebels in the southwestern province of Dhalea, military and local sources reported. The clashes erupted Wednesday night as the Iran-backed Houthis launched attacks on government positions in the Al Fakher, Al Jubb, and Batar fronts.

Government forces claimed they successfully repelled simultaneous assaults by the Houthis, who allegedly used artillery cover and light arms in an attempt to breach their lines. According to a military source, government troops responded firmly, halting the advance and forcing the militia to retreat. The Dhalea Front Media Center reported that 23 Houthi fighters were killed and seven captured following the arrival of government reinforcements.

Houthi officials have not yet commented on the specific incidents. Dhalea remains one of Yemen's most active fronts, despite a general military stalemate in recent years. Sporadic clashes between Houthi fighters and government troops continue, highlighting the ongoing instability in the region.

The fighting coincides with a significant escalation by the Houthis, who recently announced a maritime blockade targeting Saudi Arabia and intensified their military rhetoric against the kingdom and Yemen's internationally recognized government. Earlier on Thursday, the rebels claimed to have attacked two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, although Riyadh has only confirmed one such incident.

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The forces responded with firmness to the attacks, stopped the assault and forced the militia to withdraw.