Yemeni leadership orders new command center after western front losses

Yemen’s Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council, Lieutenant General Tariq Saleh, has instructed armed forces on the western coast to reorganize their ranks following recent battlefield developments against Houthi militias.

Military media quoted Saleh as saying that forces engaged on the western coast, along with units from the Taiz axis in the west of the governorate, had suffered casualties in recent days during clashes with the Houthis. Saleh added that his directives included establishing an alternative command center in a secure location to regroup forces and coordinate operations.

Airstrikes and ground advances

On the ground, Yemeni government forces targeted Houthi military reinforcements moving from Sanaa province through Fardat Nihm and the Jawf junction toward northern Marib battlefronts. A military source said airstrikes and artillery hit Houthi reinforcements in the Madghal area, destroying several combat vehicles and causing deaths and injuries among Houthi fighters.

This escalation comes as government forces work to consolidate control over positions and areas they have recaptured in recent hours.

Securing positions and expanding operations

In northern Marib, Seventh Military Region forces have secured their positions in the Mahzam Maas area after taking control, amid intensive preparations for a broader offensive. In the southern axis, Third Military Region forces continue advancing toward Umm Rish camp, having secured several strategic hills and positions, and have begun extensive clearing operations ahead of further attacks on remaining Houthi fortifications in the eastern Balq mountains and adjacent fronts.

In Al-Jawf province, government forces have expanded operations deep into the desert, advancing about 20 kilometers and securing the Sa’rah area and Masariyah hills, reaching Bir Al-Maraziq and positions near the Farid hills north of the strategic Al-Labnat camp.