Government forces said they reclaimed multiple positions in Taiz after heavy clashes with Iran-backed Houthi fighters, in fighting that continues near the strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait. Observers describe the front as a largely back-and-forth struggle with no decisive breakthrough. Saudi strikes in al-Jawf and shelling in Saada were reported by Houthi sources, while pro-government Giants Brigades said they downed several Houthi drones. The US has not resumed strikes after its 2025 campaign ended following Omani mediation.
Government Forces Reclaim Positions Near Strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait After Heavy Clashes
Armed members of the Iran-backed Houthi militia take part in a demonstration against US and Israel. (is associated with: «Government forces in Yemen recapture areas from the Houthis») Osamah Yahya/dpa
Heavy fighting resumed on Sunday between Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi militia and troops loyal to the internationally recognized government, military sources said, as government forces reclaimed several positions in the western province of Taiz.
The mountainous terrain in Taiz overlooks the strategically vital Bab al-Mandab Strait, a major shipping chokepoint linking the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden.
Frontline Developments
Observers in Taiz described the clashes as a back-and-forth struggle with neither side achieving a decisive breakthrough or major territorial change. An army spokesman said government forces had destroyed Houthi artillery emplacements in nearby Marib province.
The Houthis reported that Saudi fighter jets struck a transmission tower in al-Jawf province, and the Houthi-run Al-Masirah television channel said Saudi forces shelled targets in Saada near the Saudi border. There was no immediate confirmation from Saudi authorities, who back Yemen's internationally recognized government.
Local Clashes and Militia Actions
In recent days the Houthis advanced southward in a rapid offensive, seizing the Red Sea port city of Mokha and other positions. They are now engaged with the so-called Giants Brigades, a pro-government militia, in the Kahbub mountains in southwestern Yemen. The Giants Brigades reported fresh attacks on Houthi positions, vehicles and barracks and said they had shot down several Houthi drones.
Wider Implications
Analysts warn the Houthi advance increases the group's capacity to threaten commercial shipping transiting the Bab al-Mandab Strait and has coincided with renewed attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure. Such disruptions risk broader impacts on regional trade and energy routes.
International Involvement
The United States, a key Saudi ally, has so far refrained from resuming strikes in Yemen. In 2025 the US military repeatedly bombed Houthi targets to try to halt attacks on shipping; Washington ended that campaign in May 2025 following mediation by Oman.
Note: Reporting remains fluid and claims from all sides, including battlefield gains and strikes, have not been independently verified.
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