Yemen’s Taiz province has witnessed its fiercest fighting in years as the Iran-backed Houthis launched simultaneous attacks on several fronts, opening a new battlefront in Samea district, while government forces intensified ground and airstrikes against Houthi positions and reinforcements across several provinces.
Government forces announced 468 strikes targeting Houthi fighters and equipment on the eastern fronts, in Al-Bayda and in Al-Mansoura in western Taiz’s Al-Wazi’iyah district, claiming hundreds of casualties and the destruction of military hardware.
The Taiz Military Axis media center reported fierce battles in Bani Bakari in Jabal Habashi district, Humeir in Maqbanah and Al-Aqroud southeast of Taiz, claiming Houthi losses in personnel and equipment.
Field sources said that government troops repelled a major assault in Al-Arbaeen, north of Taiz city, and thwarted infiltration attempts in Al-Kuraifat, Aqabat Munif and Al-Tashrifat to the east.
Clashes extended to Al-Shaqab in Sabir Al-Mawadim district, while heavy artillery exchanges continued along the city’s eastern front.
According to local reports, Houthi fighters retreated in Samea following ground strikes that killed or wounded dozens, with government forces seizing military equipment.
Residents also came under fire. Local sources noted that the Houthis fired 23 mortar shells at villages in Al-Dhabab, west of Taiz, spreading fear among civilians.
The Taiz Military Axis media center reported drone strikes on Houthi positions in Al-Kadhah, destroying a 120 mm artillery piece and setting an ammunition depot ablaze. Government forces also shelled positions in Jabal Ghurab, Tabbat Yasin, Al-Ashrouh, Asifarah and Al-Silw.
Intensified Airstrikes
Sources further pointed to airstrikes against Houthi positions and vehicles in Al-Akboush, Al-Ahkoum and Hayfan southeast of Taiz, alongside attacks in Al-Wazi’iyah.
According to Yemeni Armed Forces spokesman Col. Majed Al-Nuzaili, precision strikes were launched against Houthi reinforcements, weapons and equipment, including three artillery batteries in Al-Wazi’iyah and a mobile air defense system he said Iranian experts had developed in Mocha.
He also reported strikes targeting Houthi commanders and fighters in Al-Mansoura and Bab Al-Mandab.
Al-Nuzaili had earlier announced 468 strikes across three fronts, including Al-Wazi’iyah, claiming hundreds of Houthi casualties and the destruction of military equipment.
The broader escalation extended to Saada, Amran, Marib, Hodeidah and Taiz, with reports of strikes against weapons depots, artillery batteries, communications networks, reinforcements and fixed and mobile positions.
Fighting Spreads Beyond Taiz
Clashes erupted in Al-Aghbarah, near Lahj’s Al-Mudarabah and Al-Arah district, along the province’s western border with Taiz. Military and tribal forces also announced the recapture of parts of Al-Mansoura.
In Shabwa, the Shabwa Defense Forces said that Houthi attacks and infiltration attempts were thwarted on four fronts - Harib, Ain, Bayhan and Upper Markha - claiming casualties and forcing the attackers to retreat. Drones simultaneously struck Houthi positions and movements.
The operations reflect an expanding confrontation as government forces seek to consolidate defensive lines and prevent further Houthi breakthroughs along the western coast and approaches to Taiz and Lahj.
Government Mobilization
Meanwhile, Yemen’s government began implementing Presidential Leadership Council Chairman Rashad Al-Alimi’s directives for general mobilization.
In Aden, Defense Minister Lt. Gen. Taher Al-Aqili chaired a military meeting on readiness and coordination, stressing the need for cooperation between the armed forces, state institutions and society in confronting the Houthis.
Deputy Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Ahmed Al-Basr also met committees established by the defense minister to discuss implementation, allocate responsibilities, mobilize personnel and resources, and strengthen coordination.
