Stories
Houthis Wreak Havoc in Yemen, Expand Taiz Control; Government Announces Major Military Operation.
- •The Yemeni government has announced a major military operation to retake areas occupied by the Houthi group.
- •Houthi fighters have advanced, capturing more areas in southwestern Taiz province, including the strategically important city of At Turba.
- •Government forces retreated from At Turba without a fight, with some soldiers moving to the neighboring Lahj province.
- •Houthis entered At Turba, deployed at key locations, and used mosque loudspeakers to appeal against protests.
- •This marks the first time since late 2014 that the Houthi group has captured At Turba, significantly expanding their control in southwestern Yemen.
Key Questions Answered
Yemen's government announced the launch of a major military operation to retake remaining areas occupied by the Houthi group. Rashad al-Alimi, Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council, stated that after weeks of preparations, the government has transitioned from the preparation phase to the action phase.
Houthi fighters entered the strategically important city of At Turba without a fight after government forces retreated during the day. Soldiers and allied fighters withdrew to nearby mountainous areas and Lahj province, allowing the Houthis to deploy across main roads and government buildings.
The conflict began in late 2014 when the Houthis captured Sana'a and northern Yemen, followed by a Saudi-led coalition intervention in 2015. Although a 2022 UN-brokered ceasefire largely paused large-scale fighting, recent Houthi advances and a new government military operation have triggered renewed intense military tensions.
