Aden, Yemen – Yemeni naval forces thwarted a Houthi attack in the Red Sea on Wednesday. This coincided with escalating ground battles on the western coast and in the governorates of Taiz and Al-Jawf. It also occurred amidst Houthi military movements aimed at gaining ground near Bab al-Mandab.
Thwarting a Houthi Naval Attack
The National Resistance stated its naval forces detected Houthi boats attempting to infiltrate and approach liberated islands overlooking international shipping lanes in the Red Sea. It added that naval units engaged the attacking vessels, forcing them to retreat northward toward the city of Hodeidah.
She added that naval forces engaged the attacking boats and forced them to retreat north towards the city of Hodeidah. She noted that this operation marks the third Houthi naval attack thwarted by the National Resistance Navy in less than a month.
The resistance confirmed the continuation of military operations against the Houthis on various fronts of the western coast.
Fierce battles in Taiz and Al-Jawf
On the ground front, the National Resistance and the Southern Giants Brigades reported fierce fighting in the Al-Barh and Al-Kadha axes west of Taiz. They also announced the killing and capture of several Houthi commanders involved in the attack on the Bab al-Mandab area.
In the Al-Kadha sector, field sources reported continued Houthi attacks towards the Al-Wazi’iyah district. This was an attempt to reach the Kahbub Mountains overlooking Bab al-Mandab.
Heavy clashes also erupted on the Haifan front south of Taiz. This coincided with airstrikes targeting Houthi positions in several areas, including Al-Mamsha, Al-Ahkum, Ayrim, Al-Qubaita, Al-Rahidah, and Karsh.
In Al-Jawf province, Yemeni forces announced advances toward the east of Al-Hazm city. They also announced reaching the vicinity of Bir Al-Maraziq area and cutting off Houthi supply lines on the eastern fronts.
Escalation threatens fragile truce
Yemeni forces said they had captured the Al-Mutahfat and Al-Masariya hills, as well as the hills surrounding Al-Faraid hill. They also seized earthworks and trenches extending for approximately 20 kilometers to Bir Al-Maraziq.
Observers believe that the renewed Houthi attacks on the western coast aim to reach areas near Bab al-Mandab. This could impact international shipping.
The escalation comes after years of relative calm following the UN-brokered ceasefire in Yemen. It comes amid fears of a return to large-scale fighting on the front lines and a worsening of the humanitarian and security situation in the country.
