Combat between Yemen's Houthi movement and forces backed by Saudi Arabia intensified around a key waterway in the city of Taiz, leading to the deaths of an estimated 80 fighters over the previous 24 hours, Middle East Eye reported citing sources from both sides who spoke to AFP on Friday.
The confrontation forms part of a broader offensive launched by the Iran‑aligned Houthis against the internationally recognised government that enjoys Saudi support. The operation, described as a rapid strike, has focused on securing control of the waterway that is considered vital for the flow of global energy supplies through the Red Sea corridor.
The hostilities in Taiz are a continuation of fighting that reignited in July after a period of relative calm following a cease‑fire agreement in 2022. The civil war, which first broke out in 2014, had entered a dormant phase until the recent escalation, prompting renewed concern among regional observers about the conflict's impact on maritime trade routes.
Both parties involved in the clash have confirmed the high casualty figures, though precise numbers remain difficult to verify amid ongoing combat. The resurgence of violence underscores the fragility of the truce that had held for several years and highlights the strategic importance of Taiz as a gateway to the Red Sea.
International monitors have warned that renewed fighting in the area could threaten shipping lanes that carry a substantial share of the world's oil and gas shipments. The latest round of clashes adds to a series of recent incidents that have raised alarms about the security of maritime traffic in the region.
The situation remains fluid, with no immediate indication of a cease‑fire or diplomatic intervention to halt the fighting. Observers note that the renewed intensity of the conflict could have broader implications for regional stability and global energy markets.
Reporting attribution: based on reporting by Middle East Eye — original source: https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/battle-yemens-taiz-kills-scores-combatants-report-says.