Yemeni government forces launched a major offensive to retake areas held by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels, focusing on strategic locations near the Bab al-Mandeb strait. The operation, announced by Presidential Leadership Council Chairman Rashad Al-Alimi, involved large-scale military operations aimed at restoring state control across the country. Fighting intensified around the city of Taiz, where government forces clashed with Houthi militants in fierce combat.
The offensive followed reports that the Houthis had captured additional territory in Yemen, prompting the Saudi-led coalition to intensify air strikes against the rebels. In a televised address, Al-Alimi ordered forces to push back Houthi positions, emphasizing the need to reclaim all Yemeni territory under rebel control. The military campaign also included the recapture of the Dhubab district, a key area near the Bab al-Mandeb strait, which is a critical maritime passage.
The conflict in Yemen has been ongoing since 2015, with the Houthi rebels, supported by Iran, opposing the internationally recognized government. The recent offensive marks a significant escalation in the war, with government forces seeking to regain control of contested regions. The UN is expected to discuss ongoing mediation efforts between the US and Iran, highlighting the complex geopolitical dimensions of the conflict.
