Yemen Fighting Kills More Than 60 as Houthi Offensive Escalates
· 48 views
SANAA (Terror Monitor) — More than 60 people have been killed in fighting between Yemen’s internationally recognized government forces and Houthi forces over the past 24 hours, as clashes intensify across the country’s southwestern regions.
The renewed fighting has centered on Taiz and Lahj, as government forces backed by Saudi Arabia seek to contain the Houthi advance toward Yemen’s western coast and the strategically important Bab al-Mandab Strait, a key maritime passage linking the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. Recent clashes have resulted in significant casualties on both sides.
Yemeni military sources have reported Houthi missile and drone attacks on government positions, while government forces have carried out airstrikes against Houthi positions in Taiz and other areas. On Wednesday, Yemeni forces also reported shooting down a Houthi drone in neighboring Lahj province.
The escalation follows a broader deterioration in the security situation that began in July after years of relative calm under the 2022 ceasefire. The Houthis have since launched a major offensive along Yemen’s Red Sea coast, capturing additional territory and advancing toward areas overlooking Bab al-Mandab.
Saudi Arabia has also faced an intensifying campaign of Houthi drone and missile attacks targeting military and energy infrastructure. Saudi authorities said Thursday that debris from an intercepted Houthi drone killed one Yemeni resident and injured two other people in Taif province. The incident marked the first reported civilian death in Saudi Arabia amid the latest wave of drone attacks.
The Houthis have claimed responsibility for several recent attacks on Saudi territory, while Saudi and Yemeni government forces have continued airstrikes against Houthi positions.
The renewed conflict has also triggered a major humanitarian crisis. The International Organization for Migration said on Friday that at least 112,000 people had been displaced inside Yemen, while nearly 3,000 others had fled by sea to Djibouti since the latest escalation began.
Related Articles
Houthi Attack Damages Italian Air Force Eurofighter in Saudi Arabia, Officials Say
An Italian Air Force Eurofighter F-2000 was severely damaged during Houthi-attributed air attacks on a military base in Saudi Arabia’s Taif, Italy’s Defence Ministry said. No casualties were reported, as the attack also targeted another military base and an oil facility amid escalating Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia.
Russia and China Veto US Resolution to Extend UN Monitoring of Iran Sanctions
Russia and China vetoed a U.S.-drafted UN Security Council resolution seeking to extend the mandate of experts monitoring sanctions on Iran. The resolution won 11 votes, while Pakistan and Somalia abstained. Moscow and Beijing argued that the relevant UN sanctions framework had expired, while Washington and its allies maintain that the sanctions remain in force.
Israel Defense Minister Katz Suggests Turkey Take in Hamas Members from Gaza, Repeats Call for Mass Relocation
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has suggested that Turkey offer refuge to Hamas members from Gaza while reiterating his call for the relocation of the territory’s roughly two million residents, amid escalating tensions between Israel and Turkey.
U.S. House Passes Sweeping Russia and Iran Sanctions Bill, Sends It to Trump
The U.S. House has passed sweeping legislation expanding sanctions against Russia and extending the Iran Sanctions Act through 2031. The bill, which passed 262-159 after clearing the Senate 86-11, now goes to President Donald Trump for his signature.