Yemen's Houthi offensive in Hodeidah kills 15 government troops

Yemen’s Minister of State Walid al‑Qudaimi said that 15 government soldiers were killed and 23 injured in fierce fighting with Houthi rebels in the Jabal Dabbas area of the Hays district, south of the Red Sea port city of Hodeidah. Pro‑government forces reported that more than 50 Houthi fighters were also killed and dozens wounded. The rebels first used snipers, then drones and mortar shells, briefly seizing pro‑government positions before being pushed back at dawn. An officer described the clash as “the deadliest Houthi attack in years.”

The attack comes as the UN‑brokered cease‑fire that has held since 2022 remains fragile, with the conflict having created one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, affecting around 24 million Yemenis. The Houthis have recently threatened Saudi Arabian airports and infrastructure, heightening regional tensions.