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.
