Yemeni Gov’t Forces Recapture Eastern Mountain Areas in Hajjah, Tighten Grip over Harad

Happy Yemen Brigades in Harad, Hajjah Governorate, Yemen, AFP
Happy Yemen Brigades in Harad, Hajjah Governorate, Yemen, AFP
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Yemeni Gov’t Forces Recapture Eastern Mountain Areas in Hajjah, Tighten Grip over Harad

Happy Yemen Brigades in Harad, Hajjah Governorate, Yemen, AFP
Happy Yemen Brigades in Harad, Hajjah Governorate, Yemen, AFP

The Yemeni government army backed by the Arab coalition forces recaptured a range of high mountains from the Houthi militia in the city of Harad in the northern province of Hajjah on Wednesday.

The mountains extend over five kilometers along the eastern part of Harad, which borders Saudi Arabia.

The move would secure the army’s advance into downtown Harad after recapturing the southern and western parts of the city two days ago.

The offensive began last week with the army seized control over the al-Mihsam military camp, a village, and other strategic mountains overlooking Harad.

The operation came simultaneously with another offensive launched by the army to recapture districts in the oil-rich province of Marib in central Yemen.

On Wednesday, the Arab Coalition announced that 22 Houthi military vehicles have been destroyed and Houthi fighters killed in strikes on Marib and Hajjah in Yemen.

According to field estimates, the militias have lost more than 50 members to Coalition strikes and the Yemeni army’s artillery in the areas east of Harad.

In Harad, the Yemeni army now is cornering the militia at the center. It will resume combing the city in the coming hours to finally expel and liberate the city completely from Houthis.

Meanwhile, battles raged on the western fronts of Taiz governorate, in the northwestern Marib fronts, and in the neighboring Al-Jawf governorate.

Army media stated that pro-government forces “are engaged in continuous battles against the Iranian Houthi militia on the Al-Anin front, west of Taiz, where Houthis incurred losses in equipment and lives.”

Moreover, the Yemeni Defense Ministry praised the victories achieved by the army and pro-government forces on various battlefronts.



Iraq Implements 12 Measures in Response to Israeli Complaint to UN

Sudani during the emergency meeting of the National Security Council (Prime Minister’s Office)
Sudani during the emergency meeting of the National Security Council (Prime Minister’s Office)
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Iraq Implements 12 Measures in Response to Israeli Complaint to UN

Sudani during the emergency meeting of the National Security Council (Prime Minister’s Office)
Sudani during the emergency meeting of the National Security Council (Prime Minister’s Office)

The Iraqi government has responded firmly to an Israeli complaint submitted to the UN Security Council, accusing Iraqi armed factions of launching attacks on Israel and holding Baghdad responsible.

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani’s government convened on Wednesday an emergency meeting of the National Security Council, which resulted in the announcement of 12 measures aimed at countering these accusations, strengthening internal security, and maintaining Iraq’s sovereignty.

A key directive focuses on asserting state control over military activities. Security agencies were instructed to “prevent and pursue any military actions outside the state’s authority” and enhance security along Iraq’s western borders with rapid deployment and robust planning. This aims to curb the activities of armed factions operating outside the state’s framework, particularly near the Syrian border, which is believed to be a base for groups attacking Israel.

The Israeli complaint, filed by Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, accused six factions within the Popular Mobilization Forces of targeting Israel and blamed the Iraqi government for allowing such actions.

The Iraqi government strongly rejected the accusations. Major General Yahya Rasool, spokesperson for the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, described the allegations as a pretext for a potential Israeli attack on Iraq, aimed at escalating regional tensions.

Rasool emphasized that the decision to declare war or peace rests solely with the Iraqi government and highlighted ongoing efforts to prevent Iraqi territory from being used for external attacks. These include seizing launch-ready weapons and taking legal action against those threatening Iraq’s security. Despite these assurances, factions aligned with the Resistance Axis continue to conduct attacks on Israel, with reports suggesting over 120 rocket strikes in recent months. In October, Israel reported two soldiers killed in a drone strike launched from Iraq, further escalating tensions.

Iraq’s National Security Council condemned Israel’s accusations as a “dangerous escalation” and a manipulation of international opinion to justify aggression. Iraq reaffirmed its commitment to international law and the UN Charter, condemning Israeli threats and highlighting their destabilizing impact on regional peace.

The Council outlined several measures to address the issue internationally and domestically. Key external actions include directing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to raise the matter in international forums, urging the Arab League to take a united stance against Israeli threats, and calling on the UN Security Council to review Iraq’s complaints against Israel. Additionally, Iraq requested the United States to use its influence to deter Israeli actions through ongoing security and military dialogues under the Strategic Framework Agreement.

Domestically, Al-Sudani instructed the armed forces to prevent unauthorized military actions, strengthen security along Iraq’s borders, and ensure aerial protection over critical infrastructure. Intelligence agencies were tasked with monitoring and responding to any hostile activities, while field commanders were warned they would be held accountable for security breaches.