Yemeni government forces continue to confront attacks by the Iran-backed Houthi group, aiming to deplete its capabilities on the Taiz fronts. Meanwhile, offensive operations kicked off on Sunday, pressing to clear the group's remaining forces in Bab al-Mandeb, while airstrikes and ground clashes extended to Lahj, Marib, and Al-Jawf as Operation Dawn of Yemen entered its 14th day. In Taiz, government forces, supported by the Popular Resistance, thwarted attacks by the group in the vicinity of the city, including the western and southern fronts, inflicting human and material losses upon them, according to Yemeni military statements. The group destroyed a bridge in the Haigat al-Abd area on the road connecting Taiz, Lahj, and Aden, a move that increases movement and supply difficulties in a governorate that has suffered from a siege for years. On the Bab al-Mandeb front, government forces continued their operations to clear Houthi pockets fortified behind hills, trenches, and minefields. Field sources said that the group lost dozens of members, while thwarting attacks on the Al-Waziyah toward the Kahbub mountains. Military media reported that government forces thwarted a broad attack launched by the group west of the city of Taiz, following hours of clashes, forcing them to retreat. They were also able to repel another attack on the Al-Shaqab front, located at the southern entrance to the city. The military sources said 100 Houthi members were killed and 190 wounded during fighting on Saturday. Warplanes launched airstrikes targeting Houthi positions and gatherings in the vicinity of Jabal Han west of the city, and areas to the south and on the northwestern front, according to the same sources. Bab al-Mandeb Meanwhile, as part of Operation Dawn of Yemen, the Yemeni Armed Forces announced the execution of 1,417 precise and direct targeting operations during the past 24 hours using warplanes, drones, artillery, and rocket launchers against Houthi gatherings, reinforcements, fortified positions, vehicles, and firing sources. Official spokesperson for the Armed Forces Majed al-Nuzaili said the operations have helped disrupt the group's movements and prevent them from deploying their reserves to the fronts or achieving tactical objectives. He noted that around 800 militants were killed and wounded, and more than 190 armored vehicles, combat trucks, and transport and supply vehicles were destroyed or damaged. Army units on the eastern front successfully cleared hostile positions, expanded their control, and seized a new tactical field position, while forces in Taiz continued to confront ongoing attacks alongside airstrikes targeting group positions and reinforcements. On the Bab al-Mandeb front, government forces are focusing on completing the clearing of positions where the group is still fortified behind small hills, trenches, and minefields, amid ongoing clashes in Al-Waziyah toward the Kahbub mountains. The nature of the area, including its rugged terrain and mined locations, poses challenges to the advancement and clearing operations. This front has strategic importance due to its proximity to the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, one of the vital corridors for international navigation, making the securing of surrounding positions and routes an essential part of efforts to consolidate military gains and prevent the group from reclaiming its positions.
