Yemen’s army says recaptured key territory as clashes with Houthis continue

What the report says

Yemen’s government says its army has retaken the al-Khazan and al-Makahna hills in Jabal Habashi district, west of Taiz city, as fighting with Houthi forces continued for a second day in the country’s southwest. The clashes, which Al Jazeera reported were concentrated in western Taiz and southern Hodeidah, followed a Houthi offensive along front lines near the Red Sea coast.

Al Jazeera, citing military and medical sources on both sides, reported that the fighting has caused heavy casualties, with estimates ranging from dozens to more than 100 dead since Thursday. Government and Houthi-held areas also reported civilian injuries after a ballistic missile strike hit a restaurant in the coastal city of al-Makha, also known as Mocha. The article noted that AFP’s casualty count placed the overall death toll in Yemen from the advance at more than 120.

The reported gains are significant because the hills overlook routes linked to Taiz and the Red Sea coast, including the Bab al-Mandeb area and al-Makha port. Al Jazeera said the Houthis previously controlled al-Makha before losing it in 2017 to government forces backed by the Saudi-led coalition. The outlet also noted that the Houthis have recently stepped up their military pressure in the region, adding to concerns about the strategic importance of the coastline and nearby shipping routes.