Iran-backed Houthi forces have intensified their military activity in Yemen in recent days, with missile attacks and troop movements reported in and around Taiz Governorate.
Five ballistic missiles were reportedly fired towards areas in southern and western Taiz, causing panic among residents and forcing dozens of families to leave their homes.
According to an Al Arabiya correspondent, local residents said the missiles were launched from Jabal Amman, east of Taiz, towards areas in the south and west of the governorate. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
On Friday, sources also reported that two airstrikes targeted Houthi gatherings near Mokha Airport, south of the city.
Houthi Forces Move Towards Bab al-Mandab
The fighting has also raised concerns over the strategically important Bab al-Mandab Strait, one of the world’s key shipping routes.
Reuters, citing two Yemeni government sources, reported that Houthi forces had reached the town of Dhabab, located on the Bab al-Mandab Strait opposite Mayon Island.
Another government source told AFP that Houthi forces had deployed troops on Mayon Island, which lies in the middle of the strategic waterway.
Families Flee Amid Fighting
The latest fighting has also led to increasing reports of civilian suffering in Taiz and Hodeidah governorates.
Local residents said Houthi arrest campaigns and house raids had forced more than 150 families to leave their homes and move towards the Bani Omar area south of Taiz, which is controlled by Yemen’s internationally recognised government.
In Hodeidah, Houthi forces also reportedly raided the offices of several humanitarian organisations, according to local sources.
The reports have raised further concerns about the impact of the renewed fighting on civilians and humanitarian workers.
Government Forces Reinforce Western Coast
The escalation comes as Houthi forces renewed attacks around Mokha, while government troops redeployed and strengthened their positions along Yemen’s western coast.
Government forces also sent additional reinforcements from Mokha towards the Dhabab area of Taiz.
Yemen’s National Defence Council said on Thursday evening that any temporary Houthi ground advance would not allow the group to impose a new reality by force.
The council said the government and armed forces had the capability to regain control and continue operations on several fronts, describing the response as a “counter-action”.
Fiercest Fighting Since 2022 Ceasefire
The clashes between Houthi and government forces began around a week ago and are being described as the most intense fighting since the 2022 ceasefire agreement.
According to AFP, at least 500 people have been killed, with most of the reported deaths involving Houthi fighters.
The United Nations has said that at least 20,000 people have been displaced by the latest violence.
Thousands of residents from Mokha and nearby areas have reportedly fled towards Aden, the southern city where Yemen’s internationally recognised government is based.
The renewed fighting has added to concerns about Yemen’s fragile security situation and the potential impact on civilians, humanitarian operations and the strategically important Bab al-Mandab shipping route.
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