Yemeni government forces push back Houthi offensive on several fronts

A large Houthi ground offensive across Yemen’s western coast, southern Hodeidah and western Taiz was faltering on Saturday as government forces counterattacked on several fronts. Intensified air strikes and attempts to cut Houthi supply lines supported the response.

In the most significant battlefield development, national resistance forces backed by Giants Brigades units launched a counterattack south of al-Jarrahi district in Hodeidah province. National resistance drones struck Houthi reinforcements as government forces advanced from Hays toward al-Jarrahi in southeastern Hodeidah.

Government forces also reported gains in southeastern Taiz. On the Hayfan front, they seized al-Wathra and Saeed Taha hills in the al-Mafalis area, along with the Dheiban, al-Khudaira and al-Najdain hills. A military source said the positions overlook al-Khazja market and Houthi supply routes toward fronts in northwestern Lahj and southern Taiz. The source also said some Houthi fighters had fled their positions.

In western Taiz, government forces recaptured al-Khazan hill in Jabal Habashi district after fierce clashes. Fighting intensified on the Maqbanah and al-Kadaha fronts as reinforcements arrived. The national resistance said its Second Division was inflicting heavy losses on Houthi forces in the al-Muharraq mountains, while naval forces destroyed two explosive-laden Houthi boats near al-Khokha and Mokha.

Military sources said an attempted Houthi infiltration into Taiz city had been stopped. Houthi shelling struck the Hayjat al-Abd road linking Taiz and Aden, killing four civilians and wounding nine, according to local and medical sources. The attack also damaged property, underscoring the widening impact of the fighting on roads and civilian areas.