Yemeni Forces Advance in Marib Amid Deadly Houthi Attacks in Taiz

Yemeni government forces, backed by Saudi Arabia, have reported strategic advances into the Marib governorate as part of the "Dawn of Yemen" operation. This offensive, launched over a week ago, follows significant gains by the Iran-backed Houthi group (Ansar Allah) in September, which saw them capture the port city of Mocha and territory around the vital Bab al-Mandeb shipping route.

Rashad al-Alimi, chairman of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council, stated that the "Dawn of Yemen" operation aims to reclaim all Houthi-held territories, including the capital, Sanaa, under Houthi control since 2014. Concurrently, intense fighting and Houthi shelling in Taiz, a southwestern governorate, have resulted in numerous civilian casualties.

In the northwest of Marib, government troops have reportedly secured commanding heights around the Maas camp in the Medghal district, overcoming Houthi fortifications. On the southern front, forces from the Saba and Bayhan axes claim to have captured the al-Muqailat and Jabal Zajjar positions north of the Harib district, with reports of Houthi retreats and losses.

Government forces have employed warplanes, drones, artillery, and rocket launchers in concentrated strikes against Houthi military positions and reinforcements. The armed forces’ media centre released footage purportedly showing drone attacks on Houthi military barracks and vehicles, claiming the destruction of multiple combat vehicles and equipment. Military spokesperson Colonel Majid al-Nuzaili reported 1,879 precise strikes, neutralizing 950 Houthi fighters and destroying 380 military vehicles.

Meanwhile, Houthi-affiliated media reported air strikes targeting Kamaran Island, the al-Qanawis district in Hodeidah governorate, and the Harf Sufyan district in Amran.

In Taiz, government forces and popular resistance fighters are engaged in fierce battles across multiple axes amid a wide-scale escalation. Heavy fighting has occurred on the western fronts in al-Dhabab, Hathran, and Jabal Han, with government troops thwarting Houthi infiltration attempts. Sources indicate that 81 Houthi fighters were captured in al-Dhabab. Intensified clashes are also reported in the southern and southwestern countryside in al-Shaqb, al-Aqroud, and al-Misrakh areas. A Houthi ballistic missile reportedly targeted the Jabal Kahboub mountain range, causing no human or material casualties.

The military escalation has had a severe impact on civilians. Houthi mortar shelling on the al-Ikhwa residential neighbourhood in Taiz has caused casualties and property damage. Civilians in Taiz are facing severe shortages of fuel and essential supplies, with health facilities reporting depletion of medicines and medical supplies. The Yemeni Network for Rights and Freedoms documented 43 violations by Houthi forces in Taiz within 24 hours, resulting in five civilian deaths and 17 injuries, including a five-year-old child. Houthi forces have allegedly fired over 180 projectiles at residential areas, damaging homes, vehicles, and the al-Saeed Mosque. Al-Safwa Hospital was also reportedly targeted by Houthi shelling, causing damage and injuries. The rights group has warned of worsening humanitarian conditions and called for urgent international intervention to protect civilians.