Yemen government forces advance as Houthis shell Taiz

Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 14 Oct, 15:02 · Archive

Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces have made strategic advances in Marib as Iran-backed Houthis intensify attacks on residential areas in Taiz.

Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces say they have made strategic advances into Marib governorate in north-central Yemen as part of operation 'Dawn of Yemen', launched just over a week ago. The offensive follows major gains by the Iran-backed Houthis in September, when they captured the strategic port city of Mocha and territory around the Bab al-Mandeb, one of the world's most important shipping routes. Rashad al-Alimi, chairman of Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council, said the operation aimed to retake all remaining Houthi-held territory, including the capital Sanaa, which the group has controlled since 2014.

Government forces claim they have taken control of commanding heights surrounding the Maas camp facility in the Medghal district in northwest Marib, and have captured positions north of Harib. Troops said the clashes resulted in Houthis retreating with human and material losses. Intense fighting continues along front lines with government forces using warplanes, drones, artillery and rocket launchers.

In Taiz in the southwest, Houthi shelling on residential neighbourhoods has caused dozens of civilian casualties. Government forces there are encircled by the Houthis, and blockades on road routes have worsened food shortages. The UN warns wheat and flour could run out in less than three weeks, as fuel becomes scarce and residents struggle to feed their families.

How it is being reported

• Escalating conflict in Yemen as Houthis say seized new strategic areaThe Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen released footage said to show operations in the Taiz governorate. Fighting between the Houthis and forces loyal to Yemen’s internationally recognised government, backed by Saudi-Arabia, has escalated dramatically in recent weeks after the Houthis managed to seize a number of strategically important areas, according to reports.France 24 · 14 Oct, 14:50
• Food shortages in Yemen’s Taiz as Houthi siege hits suppliesYemeni government forces are encircled by the Houthis in Taiz, where blockades on road routes have worsened shortages.Al Jazeera · 13 Oct, 22:04
• Deadly Houthi attacks in Yemen’s Taiz as government forces advance in MaribGovernment forces engage in intense clashes as Houthi shelling targets residential areas and hospitals in Taiz.Al Jazeera · 13 Oct, 13:57

In this story: Yemen · Houthis · Saudi Arabia · Taiz · Marib · Sanaa · Rashad al-Alimi

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem