Yemeni Government Forces Clash With Houthis as Fighting Intensifies Near Taiz

Fighting between Yemen’s internationally recognised government forces and Houthi fighters intensified over the weekend around the city of Taiz. Yemen’s armed forces stated they recovered positions within the Taiz governorate. Government-aligned forces, backed by Saudi air support, are working to prevent further Houthi territorial gains along the western coast and in the south.

Separately, Houthi forces have been accused of advancing toward the Bab al-Mandeb strait, raising concerns among regional and international shippers about disruption. Rights groups reported a sharp rise in abuses in areas newly captured by Houthi forces along the western coast, alongside a fresh wave of displacement with tens of thousands fleeing the fighting.

Humanitarian organisations warned the renewed fighting risks further straining fragile healthcare and food-distribution systems. Diplomatic efforts to broker a broader ceasefire have struggled to gain traction amid the wider regional conflict, leaving prospects for near-term de-escalation uncertain.