Yemeni government forces are intensifying counterattacks and warplanes are expanding strikes on Houthi positions across Taiz's countryside and the besieged city's outskirts, as fierce resistance halts militant assaults despite relentless bombardment, a tight siege and steady reinforcements.
Elsewhere, troops repelled Houthi attacks on the Kahboub front overlooking the Bab al-Mandeb Strait and blocked militant advances into the al-Maqatirah district toward southern Lahj.
The Iran-backed Houthi group, which has seized vast parts of the Taiz countryside, is attempting to expand its field gains and pressure the besieged city. However, it is facing stiff resistance from government forces and the popular resistance, as clashes spread to the al-Aqrud, al-Shaqb, and Kahlan fronts.
In the latest developments, government forces targeted a command-and-control center and two tanks inside the abandoned Sofitel Hotel in Taiz, according to official spokesperson for the Yemeni Armed Forces Majed Al-Nuzaili.
The Houthis had used the building as a launchpad to target civilians in the city, and that the strike aimed to disrupt this activity and protect residents, he added.
Government forces made advances in southern Taiz, carrying out counterattacks against the Houthis and amid clashes in al-Shaqb and al-Kahlan districts. The Houthis are reportedly sending more reinforcements to the area.
On the western front, local Yemeni sources said Houthi commander Mohammed Qiran, known as Abou Hashem, was killed, along with seven of his companions, during clashes on Friday.
Another commander, Mohammed Ismail al-Darb, and several of his companions were also killed in the al-Aqrud front. Military sources said he was overseeing operations to invade Taiz.
Government airstrikes hit several regions in the Taiz countryside, targeting Houthi positions and leaving dozens of fighters dead and injured and destroying heavy weapons and military equipment.
On the Kahboub front, the Giants Brigades and National Shield forces repelled Houthi attacks, including an offensive that lasted 30 hours. The Brigades said the fierce fighting forces the attackers to retreat, while leaving several of their members dead.
Kahboub is significant because of its proximity to the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.
In Lahj, field reports said an ambush left dozens of Houthis dead and injured and stopped an attempt to advance on new regions.
The armed forces announced that they carried out 1,392 operations in the past 24 hours across various fronts. The attacks targeted Houthi gatherings, fortifications, military equipment and sources of fire. Preliminary figures said 620 militants were neutralized and 190 vehicles were destroyed.
