Yemeni forces have successfully repelled an attack launched by the Houthis on positions along the al-Mafalis front, south of Haifan, in the southeastern part of Taiz province, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict within Yemen. Military operations are intensifying across several governorates, triggering a spike in tensions across the country.
An official of the Tor al-Bahah military axis, affiliated with the Yemeni government, reported the successful defense against the Houthi attack on positions along the al-Mafalis front, stating that the army’s 4th Infantry Hashd Brigade decisively repelled the militants. The official said that the Houthi militias suffered heavy losses, with reports indicating several fighters were killed and wounded. This event follows a joint military and security campaign in Tor al-Bahah, aimed at ‘repelling and foiling the attack by the enemy Houthi militias,’ and the rebels are expected to face defeat and collapse.
In response, a spokesman for the government forces, Waddah al-Dubeish, stated that their air defenses engaged reconnaissance drones belonging to the Houthis in the skies over al-Makha (Mocha) in the southwest of the country. This aerial engagement underscores the intensity of the military conflict. On Wednesday, the Yemeni government announced its attack on Houthi positions and gatherings with artillery shelling and drones in several governorates, resulting in casualties among Houthi fighters. Reports indicate that several Houthi fighters were killed and wounded in artillery shelling by government forces against their gatherings and reinforcements around al-Fakhir market in the northern part of al-Dhalea Governorate, resulting in the deaths and injuries of several members of the group.
German news agency dpa reported that government forces carried out ‘intensive shelling with heavy artillery and drones’ on positions belonging to Houthi militias on several fronts, intensifying the conflict. The Presidential Leadership Council, under the leadership of Rashad al-Alimi, emphasized that there will be no action undertaken by the Houthi militias without a comprehensive response or deterrence.
The situation has been ongoing for several months, with intermittent clashes between the government and Houthi forces continuing since April 2022, resulting in dozens of dead and wounded. The escalation is impacting regional stability and raising concerns about the potential for wider conflict.
The conflict has been characterized by a protracted struggle, with the Houthis maintaining a strong presence in Taiz province, and the Yemeni government striving to achieve a lasting peace that acknowledges the existence of a state that controls all weapons and sovereignty. The international community remains concerned about the humanitarian crisis and the risk of further escalation, urging for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Source: Al Jazeera
