Yemeni government forces announced the recapture of strategically significant terrain in the southwestern part of the country on Friday, as fighting with Houthi rebels escalated in multiple coastal regions. The military said it retook al-Khazan and al-Makahna hills located in Jabal Habashi district near Taiz city following heavy combat operations that continued into their second day.
The renewed clashes began when Houthi forces launched a broad offensive across front lines in western Taiz and southern Hodeidah governorates along the Red Sea coast on Thursday. According to a Houthi source, combined casualties from both sides exceeded 100 fighters since the start of the operation. Military officials reported government troop losses at 24 near the western coast and an additional 15 in Taiz clashes, while medical sources in Houthi-controlled areas documented at least 42 rebel fighters killed. A separate casualty assessment put the overall death toll at over 120 since the Houthi advance began.
The offensive resulted in civilian casualties when a ballistic missile struck a restaurant in the coastal city of al-Makha. According to reports, Houthi forces captured additional territory in western Taiz, including a strategic military installation, though government forces subsequently received reinforcements to counter the advances.
Military analysts indicated the rebel offensive targeted control of hills overlooking the Bab al-Mandeb Strait and al-Makha port before potentially attacking coastal areas. The Houthis had previously controlled al-Makha before losing it in 2017 to government and Saudi-led coalition forces. The rebel group declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia in July, and observers suggest control of the Bab al-Mandeb represents significant strategic importance for potential future conflicts.
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