Yemen Launches Ground Offensive After Houthis Cut Road to Taiz
The campaign seeks to recover lost ground after rebel forces severed the primary transit corridor between the besieged southwestern hub and the interim capital of Aden.
Yemen's internationally recognized government announced a large-scale military offensive on Sunday to retake rebel-held territory across the country. The operation follows Houthi advances that severed the final major highway linking the government stronghold of Taiz with the port of Aden.
Rashad al-Alimi, chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council, declared the start of military actions in a televised speech. He instructed armed forces to recover state authority across all provinces after diplomatic attempts to halt fighting failed. The campaign involves roughly 100,000 Yemeni troops operating alongside Saudi airstrikes, according to Reuters.
The government declaration came hours after Houthi fighters advanced south of Taiz. Security and police sources told Agence France-Presse that rebels seized the al-Safiya area and occupied its local police station. That movement halted vehicle transit along the primary road toward Aden, effectively isolating Taiz from southern resupply routes.
Casualties mounted sharply as both factions fought for strategic hilltops surrounding the city. Sources on both sides told AFP that recent clashes killed more than 70 people within 24 hours. Government officials reported 34 soldiers dead, while Houthi representatives said 39 of their fighters died in fighting across Taiz and border areas with Lahj.
The rebel thrust near Taiz extends a broader push across southwestern Yemen. In September, Houthi forces captured key sections of the Red Sea coast, including territory overlooking the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. That waterway serves as a critical maritime passage connecting the Gulf of Aden to the Red Sea.
Following the government announcement, Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree claimed missile and drone attacks targeted Saudi Aramco facilities in Riyadh and Khurais. He described the strikes as retaliation for dozens of coalition aerial bombings. Saudi officials did not immediately confirm any damage from those attempted strikes.
Yemeni military commanders stated that national ground units are preparing coordinated counterattacks around Taiz to reopen closed supply roads.
