AMN/ WEB DESK
Yemen’s internationally recognised government has announced the start of military operations to retake the remaining Houthi-held territories and restore state authority across the country, according to Saba News Agency in Aden.
President and Presidential Leadership Council Chairman Rashad Al-Alimi said the government had moved from a phase of preparation and readiness to the “liberation phase”, after what he described as the exhaustion of opportunities for de-escalation. He directed the armed and security forces and other military formations to begin operations according to approved plans.
According to Saba News Agency (Aden Branch), Yemeni forces on Monday regained the initiative on several fronts in Taiz, after thwarting Houthi infiltration attempts and attacks.
The agency reported heavy clashes in Al-Shamaitain, Al-Mawaset and Al-Ma’afer districts, involving government forces, security forces and popular resistance fighters. It said the fighting caused hundreds of casualties among Houthi forces, while Yemeni forces also used ambushes, sniper fire and drones.
Saba also reported airstrikes against Houthi positions, reinforcements and military movements, saying government forces had increased their readiness across other fronts as part of broader plans to retake territory.
However, Houthi military officials have rejected claims of some of these advances. A Houthi military source, quoted by Saba’s Sana’a branch, rejected claims of advances towards Dhubab, a strategic town in Taiz province, and accused Saudi-backed forces of trying to cover up their alleged failures.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has also announced support to the Yemeni government. Major General Turki Al-Maliki, spokesman for the Saudi-led Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen, said the coalition would continue providing full operational support to Yemen’s armed forces and government.
In a statement, Al-Maliki said Saudi Arabia would stand alongside the Yemeni government until state institutions are restored and Houthi control is ended. He also cited Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and threats to Red Sea and Bab Al-Mandab navigation, saying these required measures to protect regional and international security.
With the government publicly declaring a military campaign to retake Houthi-held areas, there is potential for significant escalation in Yemen.