Control of Al-Hazm marks strategic shift in Yemen conflict: analyst

Political analyst Manaa Al-Matari has linked the capture of Al-Hazm, the capital of Yemen’s Al-Jawf province, to a strategic shift in the military campaign against the Houthi group. He said the army’s recent advances in the province give government forces an advantage in moving toward Sanaa and threaten Houthi supply lines from Saada and Amran provinces.

Speaking to Al Arabiya FM, Al-Matari explained that the significance of the army’s progress in Al-Jawf goes beyond the areas under its control. The region’s geography and commanding mountain positions allow government forces to dominate large areas with firepower and cut off Houthi supply routes.

He noted that positions seized by the army in the past two days are strategic points controlling Houthi supply lines to the frontlines. Securing the high ground gives government troops a battlefield advantage and limits the Houthis’ ability to move reinforcements and supplies.

Al-Matari added that the army’s plan focused on capturing key positions isolating Al-Hazm from supply routes, making it easier to encircle and take the city. He also pointed out the Houthis are fiercely defending the Al-Tahila mountains due to their importance in allowing the army to approach the strategic Bir Al-Maraziq area, a vital transport hub linking Al-Jawf with Saada and Amran, from where Houthi military supplies originate.

Regarding the impact of military operations in Al-Jawf on the Taiz front, Al-Matari said the expansion of multiple fronts forces the Houthis to spread their forces thin, preventing them from concentrating their military strength in one area.

He explained that fighting in rural areas of Taiz requires the Houthis to deploy large numbers of fighters, both to maintain control over newly seized areas and to confront fierce resistance from local residents and popular resistance groups.

Al-Matari argued that continued pressure on the Al-Jawf front, which borders Saada and the capital region, drains Houthi capabilities and forces them to keep much of their manpower and military reserves in those areas instead of shifting them to Taiz.

On military fortifications, Al-Matari noted that the Houthis have relied on multiple defensive lines, deep trenches, and extensive minefields to slow the army’s advance. However, the army’s statement said its forces have overcome the initial minefields, fortifications, and defensive lines.

He said this will force the Houthis to spend extra time building new defensive lines and laying more mines, while the army could use this period to advance in areas where the Houthis can no longer reestablish their positions.

Al-Matari linked the announcement of a new phase in Operation “Dawn of Yemen” to the capture of Al-Hazm, stressing that achieving this would mark a strategic turning point in the military campaign.

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The analyst also noted that military operations are not limited to Al-Jawf and Taiz fronts, but also include the western coast, where government forces continue to target Houthi positions. He said recent strikes have focused on Al-Omari camp and other key locations along the coast.

Al-Matari emphasized the need to distinguish between advancing into new areas and achieving actual military control. “The real achievement by military standards is when you control an area, consolidate your presence, and end all resistance there,” he said.