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Yemen Announces Offensive as Houthis Advance Near Taiz

Yemen Announces Offensive as Houthis Advance Near Taiz
Yemen launches major offensive to retake Houthi-held territory · wionews.com

Yemen’s government says it is starting military operations to take back areas held by the Houthis.

Its leader, Rashad al-Alimi, said the goal is to bring state authority across the country.

A government spokesman said forces carried out 257 strikes and killed about 700 Houthi fighters, but those figures are the government’s claims.

Military sources say the Houthis have gained ground near Taiz.

They are also advancing toward the last road connecting Taiz with Aden.

If that road is cut, Taiz could be isolated and Aden could face greater pressure.

Yemeni sources also reported that Houthi forces seized a home belonging to Parliament Speaker Sultan al-Barakani.

One article says the Houthis captured the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, while the other describes their control of the chokepoint differently.

The articles also report concerns about renewed fighting and its effects on civilians and shipping.

Key facts

Government leader
Rashad al-Alimi, head of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council
Announced objective
Retake territory and extend state authority across Yemen
Reported strikes
257 precision targeting operations on Saturday, according to a government forces spokesman
Reported Houthi deaths
About 700, according to the same government spokesman
Reported Houthi advances
Strategic hilltops near Taiz and toward the last road between Taiz and Aden
Reported seizure
Yemeni sources said Houthi forces took Parliament Speaker Sultan al-Barakani’s home south of Taiz
Bab el-Mandeb
One article says Houthi forces captured the strait; the accounts differ in how they describe the reported control

Quotes

Mohammed Al-Qadhi

Former journalist quoted by Reuters on the Houthi advances near the coast.

“We have instructed the armed forces, security forces and all military formations to begin carrying out their assigned tasks under an approved plan until the country is liberated from the Houthis,” he said.”
wionews.com
“Today, I announce the start of military operations to retake the remaining territory of the republic and extend the authority of the state and its institutions across the entire national territory.”
republicworld.com

Sources

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