The armed forces of Yemen's internationally recognised government, which receives backing from Saudi Arabia, announced on its official X account that it had foiled an attempted penetration by Houthi militants in the al‑Fuliahan sector of the southern Marib governorate. According to a statement released by the army, the operation led to the death of twelve Houthi combatants, while additional fighters sustained injuries.
The statement further indicated that the surviving Houthi personnel withdrew from the location after the confrontation, abandoning the area. No civilian casualties were reported in the account provided by the Yemeni military.
Middle East Eye, which first reported the army's claim, noted that the incident reflects the ongoing volatility in the Marib region, where government forces and the Iran‑aligned Houthi movement have been locked in a protracted conflict for several years. The al‑Fuliahan sector has previously been identified as a flashpoint for clashes due to its strategic position within the governorate.
In parallel, a separate Reuters report highlighted the broader humanitarian impact of the intensified fighting across Yemen. The report stated that the escalation of hostilities between the Houthi faction and government troops has compelled a growing number of Yemenis to abandon their homes, seeking safety elsewhere amid the deteriorating security situation.
The Yemeni army's declaration comes at a time when both sides have been engaged in a series of offensives aimed at consolidating territorial control. While the military's account emphasizes a successful defensive action, independent verification of the casualty figures and the exact circumstances of the encounter remains limited.
The conflict in Yemen, now entering its ninth year, continues to generate significant displacement and humanitarian concerns. International observers have repeatedly called for renewed dialogue and a ceasefire to alleviate the suffering of civilians caught in the crossfire. The latest reported clash in al‑Fuliahan adds to the tally of recent violent episodes that underscore the fragile security environment in the country.
Reporting attribution: based on reporting by Middle East Eye — original source: https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/yemeni-army-says-it-stopped-houthi-attack-killing-12.