— The Iranian-backed Houthis are losing ground after launching their biggest coordinated ground offensive since the 2022 truce.
The Houthis tried to push through western Taiz and southern Hodeidah, threatening routes toward the strategic port of Mokha and the Bab al-Mandab Strait. Instead, Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces have launched major counterattacks.
Hays: Government forces say they have retaken the entire district, including surrounding villages and high ground.Al-Jarahi: Saudi-backed forces are reportedly pushing into the neighboring district, increasing pressure on Houthi positions.Hayfan: Government troops captured several important hills and positions that had been controlled by the Houthis for years.Western Taiz: Several positions initially captured by the Houthis have reportedly been retaken in counterattacks.
Yemeni government aircraft also carried out around 15 strikes against Houthi troops, vehicles and positions.
Why Hays matters: Controlling Hays helps protect the government-held route linking southern Hodeidah to Al-Khokha and Mokha and makes it harder for the Houthis to push toward Bab al-Mandab, one of the world’s most important shipping routes.
