Yemen clashes between Houthis and government forces leave more than 120 dead

Fierce clashes between Yemen’s Houthi movement and government-aligned forces have killed more than 120 people since Thursday according to reports citing military and medical sources.

SANAA: Fierce clashes between Yemen’s Houthi movement and government-aligned forces have killed more than 120 people since Thursday according to reports citing military and medical sources.

The fighting has intensified along Yemen’s western coast and in the Taiz region with the Houthis launching a ground offensive supported by drone and rocket attacks. The escalation is taking place near the strategically important Red Sea coast and areas surrounding the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.  More than 120 people killed since Thursday in rebels’ advance towards key strait in Red Sea today.

Clashes between Yemen’s Houthi rebels and government forces since Thursday have killed 81 as fighting intensifies near Taiz and the Red Sea. Yemen clashes as Houthis push towards key strait sources officials report 39 soldiers died; medical sources say 42 Houthi fighters killed as offensive aims to advance towards areas.

According to reports, at least 24 pro-government fighters were killed in fighting on the Red Sea coast, while additional government-aligned forces were reported killed in the Taiz area. Medical sources in Houthi-controlled territory also reported dozens of Houthi fighters killed.

The latest casualty figures represent a sharp increase from earlier reports, with sources describing the clashes as among the deadliest in Yemen in recent years. Neither the Houthi movement nor Yemen’s government has issued a comprehensive official casualty figure. Clashes between Yemen’s Houthi rebels and government forces since Thursday have killed 81, as fighting intensifies near Taiz and the Red Sea.

The Houthi offensive reportedly involves attempts to seize strategic high ground overlooking government positions near the Red Sea and the coastal town of Al-Khokha. Military sources have also said the Houthis are seeking to isolate the government-held port city of Mokha.

The fighting has raised fresh concerns over the security of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, one of the world’s strategically important maritime routes connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. Control of territory overlooking the waterway could have wider implications for commercial shipping in the region.

The latest escalation adds to Yemen’s prolonged conflict which has repeatedly threatened regional security and maritime trade.

The casualty figures remain subject to change as fighting continues and independent verification remains difficult in conflict affected areas.