The Yemeni government announced on Sunday the start of a new military operation to reclaim areas under the control of Houthi militants. This announcement comes as clashes around the important city of Taiz have intensified.
Start of Military Operation
Rashad al-Alimi, the head of Yemen's Presidential Council, stated in a televised speech: "Today, I announce the start of a military operation to reclaim the remaining areas of the Republic and to expand the government's authority and its institutions across the national territory." These remarks were made following the capture of a key road by Houthi forces that separates Taiz from the city of Aden. The Houthis have besieged this city for over a decade.
Human Casualties and War Situation
Reports indicate that over 70 people have been killed in recent clashes around Taiz. These developments occur amid rising tensions between the Houthis and the Yemeni government, which is supported by Saudi Arabia, as Yemen's civil war, which had been dormant for the past four years, has reignited.
The ceasefire agreement between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia, signed in 2022, collapsed in July after the Houthis allowed an Iranian plane to land in Yemen's capital, Sana'a. This action was seen as disregarding Saudi control over Yemen's airspace.
Following the escalation of clashes, the Houthis declared a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia. Additionally, last month, the Houthis managed to take control of Yemen's Red Sea coasts and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a vital route for global shipping, while al-Alimi has called on the international community to support the Yemeni government.
The Houthis have held control over Sana'a and the densely populated western parts of Yemen since the onset of the civil war in 2014. Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in Yemen has severely deteriorated, with millions facing hunger and food shortages.
