Yemeni government forces have launched a major military campaign to retake areas controlled by the Houthi rebels, focusing on the strategic city of Taiz. The offensive, announced by President Rashad Al-Alimi, marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. Government forces are engaging in fierce fighting around Taiz, aiming to restore state control across the country.
In a televised address, Al-Alimi ordered large-scale operations to reclaim all Yemeni territory under Houthi control. The campaign follows recent Houthi advances, which prompted the Saudi-led coalition to intensify airstrikes against the rebels. The Houthis had previously claimed territorial gains, prompting the Yemeni government to respond with a coordinated military effort.
The conflict has intensified in recent weeks, with both sides reporting heavy fighting. Government forces have recaptured the Dhubab district near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait from Houthi rebels. The Saudi-led coalition has also warned the Houthis over attacks on holy sites in Makkah and Madinah, escalating tensions in the region.
The Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, have been a key player in the Yemeni conflict since 2015. Their control of key areas has led to prolonged instability, with humanitarian crises worsening. The current military campaign represents a direct challenge to Houthi influence, with government forces aiming to reclaim strategic locations and reassert control over the country.
