At Least 13 Yemeni Government Soldiers Killed in Heavy Fighting with Houthis

Aden (Terror Monitor) — At least 13 government soldiers, including two officers, have been killed in heavy fighting between Yemen’s government forces and Iran-backed Houthi fighters, according to military sources.

A military source told AFP that the Houthis had launched a major offensive along the Red Sea coastal front, allegedly seeking to advance toward areas controlled by government forces near the strategically important Bab al-Mandab Strait.

Bab al-Mandab, located at the southern entrance to the Red Sea, is a critical maritime passage for global trade and the transportation of oil from the Gulf region.

Another military source said most of the government troops killed on Thursday died in fighting along front lines between the coastal city of Mokha and the inland city of Taiz, while other fatalities were reported during clashes near the Red Sea coast.

Houthis Attempt to Cut Key Route

The military source said the Houthis were attempting to cut the main road linking Taiz and Mokha, potentially isolating the port city from other government-held areas.

Mokha has faced repeated attacks over the past month, according to military sources.

Yemen’s state-run Saba news agency also reported intense fighting west of Taiz and in western coastal areas. Government media said the Houthis carried out missile and drone attacks in the areas.

A field officer stationed in Mokha told AFP that government forces were engaged in heavy fighting to repel a major Houthi assault.

The officer said an attempt to attack the port using two boats loaded with explosives was also thwarted. Both boats exploded near the port without reaching their intended target, according to the officer.

Fighting Reported in Al-Maafir

The Yemeni army said intense clashes were also continuing with Houthi fighters in the Al-Maafir area southwest of Taiz.

Yemen’s internationally recognized government, based in Aden, has accused the Houthis of attempting to tighten a blockade of the country and disrupt its oil exports.

The Houthis, in turn, have made similar accusations against the Yemeni government, which is backed by a Saudi-led coalition.

Yemen’s Long-Running Conflict

The Houthis have controlled Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, and large parts of the country’s north and west since 2014. The internationally recognized government and allied forces control other parts of the country.

Fighting has intensified in Yemen in recent weeks. The Yemeni army says it has carried out hundreds of military operations against Houthi positions.

The latest clashes have also raised concerns over security around the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, one of the world’s most important maritime routes, where further escalation could threaten international shipping and energy supplies.