Yemeni armed forces advance on multiple fronts as Houthis target civilians

Battles in Yemen are entering a new phase as the Yemeni armed forces expand military operations against Houthi militants, making advances on several fronts and forcing the group to retreat from strategic positions. This progress comes amid an escalation by the Houthis, who have targeted civilians and camps for displaced people.

In Al-Bayda province, Yemeni forces achieved new field gains after the Giants Brigades advanced into Al-Zahir district, capturing several sites and villages, including Haid Al-Khazan, Al-Mujairish, Dar Al-Maala, and Al-Nasifa. The forces are now closer to the Sanaa–Al-Bayda road, paving the way for further advances in the province, according to Asharq.

The military pressure is not limited to Al-Bayda. In Al-Jawf province, government forces recaptured the Yatmah area in Khabb wa Ash Sha'af district and continued their advance after tightening the siege on Al-Labnat camp and securing surrounding sites and villages, despite Houthi attempts to send reinforcements, according to Al Arabiya and Al Hadath.

In Taiz, government forces continued operations on the western fronts, supported by airstrikes targeting Houthi positions and vehicles. The forces took control of Jabal Al-Kurah and Naqil in the Kadha front, while airstrikes destroyed several Houthi military vehicles, according to Al Arabiya and Al Hadath.

These advances come amid tribal mobilization in several areas. Tribal sources confirmed that segments of Al-Bayda tribes are preparing to join the fight against the Houthis, citing growing resentment over abuses committed by the group against residents, according to Asharq.

Houthis suffer mounting losses

As operations continue, Houthi militants are sustaining losses among their fighters and leaders. Yemeni military sources reported the death of Houthi commander Ali Saleh Al-Harbi during clashes in Taiz. National Resistance media sources said another Houthi fighter was killed, others wounded, and one captured in the same area.

Yemeni forces are seeking to capitalize on their momentum by intensifying air and artillery strikes on Houthi positions in Al-Bayda, Taiz, and Marib, while operations continue on the western coast and in Al-Jawf as part of a broader campaign to pressure the group in its strongholds.

In response to battlefield setbacks, Houthi militants have escalated attacks on civilians. The latest incident saw a ballistic missile strike on the Asdas camp for displaced people in Ragwan district, Marib province, killing two children and injuring 15 others, including eight children, according to local sources.

The attack caused extensive damage to the camp, destroying and burning 16 shelters and damaging three vehicles. Twenty-three families were left homeless and in urgent need of assistance.

These attacks highlight the humanitarian cost of the escalation, especially with repeated strikes on displacement areas. Jamal Mushra’i, director of the Executive Unit for the Displaced in Hodeidah, said targeting displacement camps hampers relief and humanitarian response efforts.

Military pressure and the road to Sanaa

Simultaneous developments in Al-Bayda, Al-Jawf, Taiz, and Marib indicate mounting pressure on the Houthis, as government forces advance on multiple fronts to reclaim more territory.

In this context, Yemen’s Assistant Minister of Defense, Major General Samir Al-Subari, said the decision to retake Sanaa has been made “decisively and finally,” describing current operations as part of a broader battle to restore state institutions.

While Yemeni forces make battlefield gains, civilians continue to bear the brunt of the escalation, with ongoing Houthi attacks on residential areas and displacement camps adding to the country’s worsening humanitarian crisis.

Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council member and National Resistance Forces commander, Lieutenant General Tariq Saleh, said government forces on the western coast had thwarted the Iranian-backed plan to seize Bab Al-Mandab. He added that the opening of new fronts against the Houthis and Iran would strengthen resilience and secure victories until Sanaa is liberated.