Yemen conflict escalates with airstrikes and territorial shifts

Fighting between Yemeni government forces and Houthi rebels has escalated significantly, marked by intense aerial bombardments and territorial shifts. The Houthi movement reported that 129 airstrikes hit seven provinces—including Taiz, Marib, Hodeidah, Al Jawf, Saada, Amran, and Hajjah—over a 48-hour period. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree attributed these strikes to Saudi aircraft and vowed retaliation.

In response, the Yemeni military conducted airstrikes targeting dozens of Houthi transport trucks. These vehicles were reportedly carrying weapons, ammunition, and missiles traveling from Taiz toward Sanaa. Government forces also launched strikes in the Al Mukha region, which they referred to as the ‘killing box,’ following reports of Houthi advances.

On the ground, the Houthis announced they have seized control of several districts in the Hodeidah and Taiz governorates along the western coast, as well as islands in the Red Sea, including Perim Island (Meyun) in the Bab al-Mandab strait. This movement grants the group influence over a critical global maritime corridor. Meanwhile, government forces reported progress in Al Jawf province near the Saudi border and claimed to have repelled major attacks in Marib.