Yemen government forces have launched a counteroffensive around Taiz, but analysts warn that without a larger-scale push by the UN-recognized government the current operations are unlikely to prevent eventual Houthi control of the city. Saudi Arabia is providing air support for strikes west of Taiz as Houthis try to expand control; Houthi sources say a Saudi strike hit a communications tower. Local reports say a Saudi airstrike killed one civilian and wounded another. Fighting is concentrated in

Yemen government forces have launched a counteroffensive around Taiz, but analysts warn that without a larger-scale push by the UN-recognized government the current operations are unlikely to prevent eventual Houthi control of the city. Saudi Arabia is providing air support for strikes west of Taiz as Houthis try to expand control; Houthi sources say a Saudi strike hit a communications tower. Local reports say a Saudi airstrike killed one civilian and wounded another. Fighting is concentrated in the mountainous Kahbub area, a strategic high ground that overlooks Houthi reinforcement routes and nearby territory, including approaches to the Bab al-Mandeb. The government front is being reinforced by the Giants Brigade, which has so far blocked further Houthi penetration of Taiz’s outskirts, but multiple experts caution that a prolonged, limited-intensity campaign may ultimately favor the Houthis.