Yemeni armed forces recapture Jabal Al-Koura in western Taiz

Yemeni armed forces have made new gains in western Taiz, capturing Jabal Al-Koura and a security checkpoint from Houthi militants in the Al-Kadha area after intense overnight clashes.

A military source told Al Arabiya/Al Hadath that Yemeni forces continue to engage in fighting with the Houthis in the Hanaya hills and around Jabal Ghobari west of Al-Kadha, while clashes in the Al-Anin and Hazran fronts in Jabal Habashi district have resulted in Houthi casualties.

In Al-Bayda province, Yemeni forces launched 13 airstrikes targeting Houthi positions, gatherings, and vehicles, including a missile launch platform in the districts of Al-Sharaya, Dhi Naem, Al-Bayda, and Al-Sawadiyah.

Warplanes also struck a command room, a thermal sensor system, and Houthi gatherings atop Jabal Nasa in the Moris front in Al-Dhale province, in addition to targeting Houthi positions and barracks on southern Marib fronts.

The Al-Dhabab front west of Taiz witnessed fierce fighting with various types of weapons, alongside clashes in the areas of Al-Sayahi, Jabal Han, and Mata'a.

In another development, Yemeni forces announced they had taken control of the city of Hays in southeastern Hodeidah and secured their positions north of the city, according to a military source from the internationally recognized government.

Expert Fares Al-Muslimi of Chatham House noted that the Houthis are seeking to cut off routes between Taiz, Bab Al-Mandab, and Mokha, and are attempting to seize control of Bab Al-Mandab.

Meanwhile, analyst Adam Baron from New America said the confrontations are heading toward further escalation.

These developments come amid rising regional tensions between Iran and the US, and renewed Houthi attacks on shipping and maritime traffic since last July.

In August, the Yemeni government warned of Houthi plans to seize the Bab Al-Mandab coast, threatening a vital shipping lane, while coastal areas overlooking Bab Al-Mandab remain outside Houthi control despite their hold on the northern port city of Hodeidah.