The Dawn of Yemen military offensive entered its seventh day on Sunday, with intensified airstrikes targeting Houthi positions and reinforcements in Taiz and along the western coast, as government forces pressed their ground assault and surrounded Houthi groups near the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
Military estimates put Houthi casualties at around 12,000 killed and wounded during the operation’s first six days.
Airstrikes extended beyond the Taiz frontlines to military targets in Houthi-held areas of Sanaa, Saada, Hajjah and Ibb, while government forces received air support as the Houthis attempted to recapture positions along the western coast.
On the western coast, the Southern Giants Brigades announced the destruction of five Houthi armored vehicles, killing their occupants, during an attempted advance toward Dhubab Airport. The brigades also reported repelling an attack north of the airport as airstrikes targeted Houthi reinforcements.
Government forces are seeking to consolidate control over recaptured areas around Bab al-Mandab, Mayyun Island and the Kahbub Mountains, preventing the Houthis from retaking strategic positions overlooking the strait.
More Than 1,900 Strikes in 24 Hours
The armed forces announced more than 1,900 direct precision strikes over 24 hours across the eastern, western and southwestern fronts.
Military spokesman Col. Majed al-Nuzaili explained that the strikes targeted weapons and ammunition depots, fortifications, military camps, strategic hilltop positions, troop concentrations, artillery emplacements and supply vehicles.
He added that high-value military targets deep inside Houthi-held territory were also struck.
Preliminary field estimates indicated that more than 1,150 Houthi fighters had been neutralized and over 180 combat, transport and supply vehicles destroyed or disabled during the same period, according to Nuzaili. Ground forces also advanced, recapturing additional positions and securing strategic heights.
In Taiz, military sources reported continued clashes southeast and west of the city, with government troops and Popular Resistance fighters repelling Houthi attacks and striking their positions and movements.
Government Vows to Restore State Authority
Presidential Leadership Council Chairman Rashad al-Alimi reaffirmed the leadership’s determination to continue the offensive until the Houthi threat is eliminated and state institutions restored, regardless of the sacrifices required.
Prime Minister Shaya Mohsen al-Zindani maintained that the operation was steadily achieving its objectives, with the Southern Giants Brigades and Nation’s Shield Forces advancing with support from the Saudi-led coalition to secure Bab al-Mandab, Dhubab and the Kahbub Mountains.
He described the gains as reflecting Yemenis’ determination to end the Houthi takeover and restore state authority.
Zindani accused the Houthis of targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure, citing the recent attack on Aden International Airport and violations in Taiz. He also praised Saudi support as crucial to restoring state institutions and protecting national security.
Meanwhile, the cabinet warned that the Houthis’ expanding siege of Taiz threatened the lives, security and livelihoods of more than six million residents.
It instructed civilian, security and military authorities to coordinate efforts to protect residents, maintain essential services, ensure humanitarian aid deliveries and address security threats while respecting international humanitarian law.
The cabinet urged the United Nations and international community to pressure the Houthis to halt their attacks and lift the siege, reaffirming its commitment to restoring state authority and achieving the offensive’s objectives.
