Houthi fighters clash with Yemeni government forces in country’s southwest
An Iranian-backed Houthi rebel ballistic missile attack on a military camp in southern Yemen killed at least 53 government soldiers and wounded 200 recruits during a training exercise. The provincial government in Shabwa confirmed the strike wounded an additional 200 recruits at the facility, while the rebels acknowledged targeting the camp. This event marks the biggest single loss of life since fighting surged this summer, following a period of intense ground clashes and airstrikes across Taiz, Marib, and Al-Jawf.
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- ✓ Iranian-backed Houthi rebels struck a military camp for government forces in southern Yemen, killing at least 53 soldiers.
- ✓ The attack wounded an additional 200 recruits at the military camp in the southern province of Shabwa.
- ✓ The provincial government in Shabwa and the rebels both acknowledged the military camp was targeted.
What changed
Corroborated reporting confirms that the ballistic missile strike on the Shabwa military camp resulted in at least 53 fatalities and 200 injuries among government soldiers and recruits.
Live updates
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Houthi Ballistic Missile Strike Kills 53 Yemeni Soldiers
An Iranian-backed Houthi rebel ballistic missile attack on a military camp in southern Yemen killed at least 53 government soldiers and wounded 200 recruits during a training exercise. The provincial government in Shabwa confirmed the strike wounded an additional 200 recruits at the facility, while the rebels acknowledged targeting the camp. This event marks the biggest single loss of life since fighting surged this summer, following a period of intense ground clashes and airstrikes across Taiz, Marib, and Al-Jawf.
Why it matters
The strike represents a sharp escalation in Yemen's civil war as Houthi forces seek to increase the cost of the conflict for Saudi Arabia. Fighting has intensified across multiple provinces in recent months. The attack on the military camp in Shabwa highlights the vulnerability of government forces during training operations.
What is confirmed
- Iranian-backed Houthi rebels struck a military camp for government forces in southern Yemen, killing at least 53 soldiers.
- The attack wounded an additional 200 recruits at the military camp in the southern province of Shabwa.
- The provincial government in Shabwa and the rebels both acknowledged the military camp was targeted.
What to watch next
- Official casualty updates from the military camp in Shabwa
- Yemeni government or Saudi-led coalition military responses to the missile strike
- Further Houthi operations in southern Yemen
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (5)
- help.naver.com — Futures Flat As Oil Rebounds After Trump's "Energy Ceasefire" Unravels, Memory Stocks Slide | ZeroHedge
- www.mercurynews.com — Houthi rebels strike Yemen’s government forces with ballistic missiles, killing at least 53
- elderofziyon.blogspot.com — 10/20 Links Pt1: Elisha Wiesel: Obama's Dangerous Mideast Words; The Truth about U.S. Aid to Israel; Shattering the Palestinians' ....
- www.latimes.com — Houthi rebels strike Yemen’s government forces, killing at ...
- www.theguardian.com — Houthi attack kills 53 in biggest single loss of life since ...
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Houthi ballistic missiles kill 53 soldiers at Shabwa military camp
Iran-backed Houthi rebels killed at least 53 Yemeni government soldiers and wounded 200 recruits in a ballistic missile strike on Monday. The attack targeted a military camp in the southern province of Shabwa during a training exercise. This event marks one of the deadliest incidents since fighting surged this summer. The escalation follows a period of intense ground clashes and airstrikes across Taiz, Marib, and Al-Jawf, as Houthi forces seek to increase the cost of the conflict for Saudi Arabia.
Why it matters
The Houthis continue to maintain a siege on Taiz while expanding strikes into southern governorates. This resurgence in violence pressures local infrastructure and increases civilian displacement. The conflict remains a proxy battle involving Iranian support for the Houthi rebels.
What is confirmed
- Houthi rebels killed at least 53 soldiers with ballistic missiles at a military camp in Shabwa.
- The attack wounded 200 recruits at the camp.
- The strike occurred on Monday during a training exercise.
Still unconfirmed
- The Houthis are intensifying attacks to raise the cost of the war for Saudi Arabia.
What to watch next
- Reports of retaliatory strikes by government forces in Shabwa
- Official casualty updates from the Yemeni Ministry of Defense
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (4)
- www.aljazeera.com — Fighting in Yemen intensifies: What’s the latest on the ...
- wtop.com — Houthi rebels strike Yemen’s government forces, killing at least 53
- www.aljazeera.com — Houthi attack on Yemen army camp in Shabwa kills at least 53: reports
- www.nbcnews.com — Houthi rebels strike Yemen’s government forces, killing at least 53
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Yemeni Forces Clash With Houthis As Operation Dawn of Yemen Enters Tenth Day
Yemeni military forces and Iran-backed Houthi fighters engage in fierce ground clashes and airstrikes in Taiz, Marib, and Al-Jawf. The Yemeni army reports retaking hills and a school while accusing Houthi fighters of firing missiles at a mosque. Meanwhile, a rights group accuses the Houthis of killing five civilians and injuring more than a dozen others in the southwest. The ongoing fighting drives up casualties and displacement, placing severe pressure on local hospitals, markets, and essential services as the Houthis maintain a siege on Taiz.
Why it matters
Operation Dawn of Yemen marks a major intensification of the conflict as government forces seek to weaken Houthi combat capabilities and sever supply lines. The escalation follows a deadly attack on Riyadh's international airport that killed at least 12 people and prompted vows of retaliation from Saudi-led forces. The strategic city of Taiz remains a primary flashpoint, enduring renewed sieges and intense military operations.
What is confirmed
- The Yemeni military's Operation Dawn of Yemen entered its tenth day on Wednesday with intense air and ground strikes in Taiz, Marib, and Al-Jawf.
- Saudi-led forces vowed to retaliate against Iran-backed Houthis after an attack on Riyadh's international airport killed at least 12 people.
- Yemeni army forces stated they are striking Houthi positions in Taiz and Marib, having retaken certain hills and a school.
- A Yemeni rights group accused the Houthis of killing five civilians and injuring more than a dozen others.
Still unconfirmed
- Saudi Arabia is considering its response to the airport attack independently of the broader coalition actions.
What to watch next
- Developments regarding the promised retaliation by Saudi-led forces following the Riyadh airport attack
- Further territorial gains or losses in the strategic city of Taiz as government forces attempt to advance along the coast
- The impact of rising casualties and displacement on essential services and hospitals in contested governorates
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (9)
- www.aljazeera.com — Breaking News, World News and Video from Al Jazeera
- nypost.com — New York Post – Breaking News, Top Headlines, Photos & Videos
- transcripts.cnn.com — Riyadh Airport Attacked; Trump Calls for Ukraine Elections; DOJ Probes Major TV Networks Over Response to....
- www.turkiyetoday.com — Yemeni army says airstrikes hit Houthi positions in Taiz and ...
- www.al-monitor.com — Yemen forces clash with Houthis around Taiz as humanitarian ...
- www.koreatimes.co.kr — Saudi Arabia strikes Yemen capital as Houthis vow to retaliate
- www.aljazeera.com — Yemeni government launches air strikes on Houthi positions
- english.aawsat.com — Operation Dawn of Yemen Intensifies Air and Ground Strikes to Weaken Houthi Capabilities
- nypost.com — Houthi siege tightens around major Yemen city that survived ...
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Yemeni Forces and Houthis Clash as Regional Conflict Widens
Intense fighting grips Yemen as Houthi rebels and Saudi-backed government forces trade heavy blows in Taiz and surrounding areas. Houthi shelling targets residential neighborhoods and hospitals in Yemen's third-largest city, while the Saudi-led coalition provides round-the-clock air support and hits targets across Houthi-controlled territory. The escalating violence draws Saudi Arabia deeper into the confrontation as Houthi fighters target military facilities, airports, and infrastructure within the kingdom. The internationally recognized government claims influence over more than two-thirds of the country, facing off against Houthi forces backed by external elements.
Why it matters
The renewed fighting represents a sharp acceleration in Yemen's long-running conflict, pulling regional powers back into active military operations. Analysts draw parallels to shifts in Syria due to the involvement of groups aligned with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Lebanon's Hezbollah. The confrontation threatens to destabilize the wider Arabian Peninsula as cross-border strikes hit Saudi infrastructure.
What is confirmed
- Houthi shelling targets residential areas and hospitals in Taiz as government forces engage in intense clashes.
- The Saudi-led coalition announced a large-scale operation against the Houthis, stating that 136 military targets were destroyed with round-the-clock air support.
- Houthi rebels claimed new attacks on military facilities and airports in Saudi Arabia.
- Yemen's internationally recognized government extends its influence over more than two-thirds of the country.
- Government sources told AFP that 26 troops had died, while the Houthis reported 55 of their fighters killed.
- Houthi fighters hit a key airport in Aden with explosive moments before a plane from Cairo was due to land.
Still unconfirmed
- The war in Yemen could lead to a historic transformation similar to the fall of the regime in Syria.
What to watch next
- Further coalition airstrikes on Houthi-controlled oil facilities and ballistic missile networks
- Additional Houthi drone or missile attacks targeting Saudi infrastructure and airports
- Potential shifts in territorial control around Taiz and Marib as ground offensives continue
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (12)
- www.dropsitenews.com — Saudi-backed forces launch major offensive in Yemen; U.S. kills 4 in Caribbean boat strike; Bolsonaro win....
- www.latimes.com — Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis claim new attacks on Saudi Arabia ...
- www.theguardian.com — Houthi forces appear to make slow advance in south-west Yemen
- www.arabnews.com — Arab News | Regaining Sanaa is like liberating Damascus
- english.aawsat.com — Regaining Sanaa is Like Liberating Damascus
- www.aljazeera.com — Has Yemen returned to ‘full-scale war’? | Houthis News | Al ...
- www.thedailystar.net — Yemen government forces say struck Houthi targets
- tribune.com.pk — Saudi-led coalition announces large-scale operation against Houthis in Yemen, says 136 military targets d....
- www.yahoo.com — Fear strikes Yemen's 3rd largest city Taiz as Houthi rebels encircle it in a new siege
- www.aljazeera.com — Deadly Houthi attacks in Yemen’s Taiz as government forces ...
- www.pbs.org — Saudi conflict with Houthis escalates with new strikes
- www.koreatimes.co.kr — Fear strikes Yemen's 3rd largest city Taiz as Houthi rebels encircle it in new siege
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Yemeni Forces Repel Houthi Assaults in Taiz Amid Escalation
Yemeni government forces have repelled aggressive assaults from Houthi fighters in Taiz, marking some of the most intense fighting in the conflict's 12-year history. Heavy battles have erupted as the Saudi-backed government launched a major offensive to reclaim territory, staging a lightning advance to retake the coast around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait up to Mocha. Government forces also struck military targets in Houthi-controlled Sanaa while claiming control of a key district. Agence France-Presse reported that over 70 fighters were killed in 24 hours during the fierce clashes in Taiz, as the country faces renewed escalation.
Why it matters
The recent military escalation in Yemen's southwest centers on strategic locations in Taiz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, crucial corridors for regional trade and security. Saudi-backed government forces have intensified operations against Iran-backed rebels who previously seized parts of the region. This renewed push threatens to plunge the country back into a broader civil war amid shifting regional dynamics.
What is confirmed
- Yemeni government forces repelled aggressive assaults from Iran-backed Houthis in Taiz.
- Yemeni government forces launched a major military offensive to reclaim Houthi-held areas.
- Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces staged a lightning advance to retake the coast around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait up to Mocha.
- Yemeni forces launched strikes on military targets in Houthi-controlled Sanaa.
Still unconfirmed
- Turkey and Pakistan are poised to send troops to Saudi Arabia, while the Trump administration has avoided getting involved.
- Over 70 fighters were killed in 24 hours during fierce battles in Taiz.
What to watch next
- Developments regarding potential troop deployments from Turkey and Pakistan to Saudi Arabia.
- Further territorial shifts in the Taiz governorate and Bab el-Mandeb Strait region.
- Additional military responses from the Trump administration or regional actors.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (6)
- www.arabnews.com — Yemeni forces repel major Houthi assaults in Taiz, strike ...
- www.aljazeera.com — Why is fighting intensifying in Yemen’s Taiz governorate?
- www.aljazeera.com — Yemen war: What’s the latest, as government forces claim ...
- theconversation.com — Yemen is spiralling into another civil war that could swiftly engulf in the entire region
- www.yahoo.com — Yemeni government forces drive Houthis from Bab el-Mandeb Strait
- www.voiceofemirates.com — Over 70 Killed in Heavy Clashes Between Yemeni Forces and Houthis
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Yemeni Government Launches Offensive to Retake Houthi Territory
Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces have launched a major offensive to reclaim territory from Iran-backed Houthi rebels, focusing on southwestern Yemen. Recent operations include a lightning advance to retake the coast around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait up to Mocha, pushing Houthis out of areas seized last month. Heavy fighting continues in Taiz and Lahj, where Houthis have targeted a government base with missiles. The government has expanded community mobilization to support these frontlines as they attempt to secure strategic highlands and supply routes toward Aden.
Why it matters
The conflict has escalated after a 2022 UN-brokered ceasefire. Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping and Saudi Arabia's Abha Airport in July 2026 have reignited the civil war. This instability coincides with broader tensions between the US and Iran.
What is confirmed
- Yemeni government forces conducted a lightning advance on Monday to retake the coast around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait up to the city of Mocha.
- Heavy fighting is occurring in the southwestern governorate of Taiz.
- Houthi rebels have launched missile attacks against a Yemeni government base in Lahj.
- Yemeni government forces have bombed Houthi positions west of Taiz.
- The Yemeni government is mobilizing social groups and provinces to provide supplies and support to fighters.
Still unconfirmed
- The Giants Brigades have arrived in the Bab al-Mandeb area.
What to watch next
- Outcome of the government offensive to reclaim the Bab el-Mandeb coast
- Status of diplomatic mediation between the US and Iran via Qatar
- Whether government forces can successfully unite disconnected frontlines to maintain territory
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (21)
- www.cfr.org — Conflict in Yemen and the Red Sea
- www.nbcnews.com — As Houthis ramp up attacks, Saudi Arabia projects calm but finds few allies
- www.aljazeera.com — Yemen government forces widen attacks against Houthis: What we know | Conflict News
- www.theguardian.com — Children forced to give up school for work as fighting upends daily life in Yemen
- www.bbc.com — Inside Yemen's front-line city as Houthis battle for control
- tribune.com.pk — Iran says it conveyed conditions to US through Qatari mediator, IRNA reports - The Express Tribune
- www.aljazeera.com — Yemeni forces say they repel Houthi attacks in Taiz as ...
- www.thecourier.com.au — Heavy fighting continues in southwestern Yemen | The Courier | Ballarat, VIC
- english.aawsat.com — Yemen Govt Expands Community Mobilization to Support Fighters on Frontlines
- www.yahoo.com — Heavy fighting continues in south-western Yemen - Yahoo
- www.arabnews.com — Arab News | Houthi missile hits Yemen government base in Lahj ...
- saudigazette.com.sa — Yemeni government forces bomb Houthi positions in Taiz
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Oil Prices Rise as Houthi Strait Seizure Escalates Middle East Conflict
Oil prices are nearing a four-month high as Iran and Oman delay discussions regarding control of the Strait of Hormuz. The regional escalation follows Houthi advances in Yemen and subsequent attacks on Saudi Arabia. These events drive friction across key global maritime corridors and pressure international energy markets. The mounting violence also strains diplomatic ties between Washington and Riyadh, drawing direct appeals from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to President Donald Trump over security challenges.
Why it matters
The conflict stems from an ongoing civil war in Yemen where Houthi fighters clash with Yemeni government forces and Saudi-backed coalitions. Both factions compete for strategic maritime chokepoints including the Bab al-Mandeb strait. These operational movements directly impact international oil shipping lanes and threaten critical Saudi infrastructure.
What is confirmed
- Oil prices are nearing a four-month high.
- Iran and Oman delayed a meeting to discuss control of the Strait of Hormuz.
- Fighting between Iran-backed Houthi rebels and Saudi Arabia is raising stakes for global energy markets.
- The Houthis appear to take control of the Bab al-Mandeb strait.
Still unconfirmed
- Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman made a direct appeal to President Donald Trump regarding the U.S.-Saudi relationship and new challenges in the region.
What to watch next
- Rescheduling of the delayed Strait of Hormuz talks between Iran and Oman
- Further developments in the U.S. response to Houthi control of the Bab al-Mandeb strait
- Movements in global oil markets following the four-month price high
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (2)
- www.yahoo.com — Oil prices near 4-month high as Iran and Oman delay Strait of Hormuz talks
- www.cfr.org — The Houthis Seized a Critical Strait and Attacked Saudi Arabia. Here’s What It Means for the U.S.
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Houthi rebels advance along Yemen west coast
Iran-backed Houthi rebels are sweeping down the west coast of Yemen, intensifying a 12-year-old civil war. Recent combat includes a recorded roadside ambush against Yemeni government forces. This offensive coincides with Houthi attacks on southern Saudi Arabian utilities and oil facilities that wounded 73 people. Both factions are currently fighting for control of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait following heavy casualties in Hodeidah and Taiz, where over 140 combatants died between Saturday and Sunday. Saudi-backed forces are attempting to block Houthi access to these maritime points.
Why it matters
Control of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait is critical for global shipping and maritime security. The current escalation follows years of instability and foreign intervention in the Yemeni conflict.
What is confirmed
- Houthi rebels are moving down the west coast of Yemen.
- A roadside ambush of Yemeni government forces was captured on camera.
- Houthi attacks on southern Saudi Arabia wounded 73 people.
- Over 140 combatants died in Taiz and Hodeidah between Saturday and Sunday.
What to watch next
- Confirmation of Houthi control over the Bab al-Mandeb Strait
- Updates on Saudi-backed counter-offensives to secure maritime access
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (2)
- www.aljazeera.com — Cameraman catches the moment Yemeni government forces are ambushed
- abcnews.com — Houthis' Yemen gains put control of strategic strait, key cities in focus
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Houthi attacks hit Saudi oil sites as battle for Bab al-Mandeb intensifies
Houthi rebels launched a wave of attacks Tuesday against southern Saudi Arabia, wounding 73 people and starting fires at utilities and oil facilities. Simultaneously, Yemeni government forces have conducted air strikes against Houthi targets. Both sides are currently fighting for control of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. This follows a period of heavy casualties in Taiz and Hodeidah, where over 140 combatants died between Saturday and Sunday. Saudi-backed forces continue efforts to block Houthi movement toward critical maritime access points.
Why it matters
The Bab al-Mandeb Strait is a vital shipping lane connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. The conflict pits Iranian-backed Houthi rebels against the Saudi-supported Yemeni government. Control of this gateway determines maritime influence in the region.
What is confirmed
- Houthi attacks on Tuesday wounded 73 people in southern Saudi Arabia.
- Houthi strikes ignited fires at several utilities and oil facilities in Saudi Arabia.
- Yemeni government forces and Houthi rebels are fighting for control of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.
Still unconfirmed
- Yemeni government forces launched air strikes on Houthi targets.
What to watch next
- Saudi Arabian government response to the utility and oil facility fires.
- Changes in control or troop movements within the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (4)
- www.aljazeera.com — Yemen gov’t forces launch air strikes on Houthi targets
- apnews.com — Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia wound 73 people, officials say
- www.nbcnews.com — Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia ignite fires at oil facilities and wound 73 people
- apnews.com — Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis have become an increasingly disruptive force in the Mideast
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Death toll exceeds 140 in southwest Yemen clashes
Fighting between Yemeni government forces and Houthi rebels has intensified across Taiz and Hodeidah. Military sources report more than 140 combatants died between midday Saturday and early Sunday. Recent violence includes a Houthi missile strike on a primary road that killed four people. Clashes in Taiz alone have killed over 60 people, including civilians. These engagements center on the Red Sea gateway, where Saudi-backed forces are fighting to prevent Houthi advances toward strategic maritime access points.
Why it matters
The conflict focuses on the Al-Kudhah area of western Taiz province. Control of this region is critical for securing the Red Sea straits. This escalation follows previous Houthi shelling that displaced civilians in Taiz.
What is confirmed
- More than 140 combatants died between midday Saturday and early Sunday.
- Fighting between government forces and Houthi rebels has intensified in Taiz and Hodeidah.
- Over 60 people, including civilians, were killed during clashes in Taiz.
Still unconfirmed
- A Houthi missile strike on a key road killed four people.
- Yemeni forces have claimed a strategic district.
What to watch next
- Confirmation of the specific district claimed by Yemeni forces
- Reports of further civilian casualties in Hodeidah
confidence 85%Sources used for this update (4)
- www.aljazeera.com — Yemeni forces claim strategic district amid intensified Houthi clashes
- www.ap7am.com — Fighting intensifies in Yemen as missile strike on key road kills four
- defencenewsupdates.com — Yemen Conflict Intensifies as Houthis Battle Saudi-Backed Forces Near Red Sea Gateway
- www.24newshd.tv — More than 140 killed in latest Yemen clashes: military sources
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Yemeni government forces and Houthis clash in western province
Over 120 people have been killed in a sharp escalation of fighting between Yemeni government forces and Houthi fighters in the country's southwest. Clashes are concentrated in western Taiz province, specifically the Al-Kudhah area, where Houthis are attempting to push toward a key Red Sea strait. The Yemeni army reports it has recaptured Houthi-held military positions and conducted counterattacks, while Houthi shelling in Taiz has triggered a new wave of civilian displacement.
Why it matters
The conflict represents some of the fiercest escalation on Yemen's western front in years. Control over the western region is critical for access to strategic maritime corridors.
What is confirmed
- Clashes between Yemeni government forces and Houthis are occurring in the southwest of the country.
- Fighting is taking place in western Taiz province, including the Al-Kudhah area.
- Houthi shelling in Taiz has forced residents to flee their homes.
- The Yemeni army claims to have recaptured military positions previously held by the Houthis.
Still unconfirmed
- At least 81 people were killed in clashes between Houthis and Yemeni forces.
What to watch next
- Verification of total casualty figures from independent monitors
- Movement of Houthi forces toward the Red Sea strait
- Further reports on the status of recaptured military positions in southwestern Yemen
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (19)
- www.timesnownews.com — US-Iran War LIVE: Iran Seizes Vessel Carrying 382,000 Litres Of Smuggled Fuel, 11 Arrested
- Al Jazeera — Houthi fighters clash with Yemeni government forces in country’s southwest
- The Times of Israel — 13 Yemen government forces killed in clashes with Houthis, says military source
- Yahoo — Civil war in Yemen continues to flare up with fresh attacks
- Anadolu Ajansı — Yemeni army launches counterattack, killing 18 Houthi militants in western Taiz province
- A News — Houthis shell Yemen's western Taiz, forcing people to flee
- news.cgtn.com — Military sources to Al Arabiya TV: Clashes between Yemeni government forces and Houthi group in Al-Kudhah area west of Taiz
- Sarawak Tribune — Yemeni Army Claims 50 Houthis Killed, Injured After Thwarting Attack
- Anadolu Ajansı — Yemeni army claims it captured Houthi-held military positions in southwestern Yemen
- The Times of Israel — At least 81 killed in clashes between Houthis and Yemeni forces, sources say
- Al Jazeera — Houthi attacks on Yemen’s Taiz escalate, triggering new displacement wave
- ua.news — Government forces report intense fighting with Houthis in western Yemen
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