Yemeni government forces have initiated a significant offensive to recapture the strategic mountainous district of al-Waziiya in Taiz governorate from Houthi control. This operation is part of a broader campaign aimed at reclaiming territory along the Red Sea coast and securing the vital Bab al-Mandeb Strait.
- Yemeni government forces launched an operation to capture al-Waziiya district in Taiz.
- The offensive is part of the larger “Dawn of Yemen” campaign to retake Houthi-held territories.
- Saudi Arabia intercepted a Houthi ballistic missile targeting Khamis Mushait during the offensive.
- The Houthis claim to have repelled the government advance, while government forces report securing strategic hills.
Operation Al-Waziiya Underway
The offensive on al-Waziiya, launched on Tuesday, is a key component of the “Dawn of Yemen” campaign. This wider push, announced by Rashad al-Alimi, chairman of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council, aims to liberate all remaining Houthi-controlled areas, including the capital, Sanaa.
- The Homeland Shield Forces, a pro-government faction, are leading the “large-scale operation.”
- Government forces claim to have secured strategic hills overlooking the al-Mansoura area.
- A mass retreat of Houthi militia has been reported by the army’s media centre.
- The Houthis have denied these claims, stating they successfully repelled the government advance.
Strategic Importance of Al-Waziiya
The mountainous district of al-Waziiya holds significant strategic value due to its location. Situated west of Taiz and east of the Red Sea port of Mocha, its control is crucial for any advance towards the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.
The Bab al-Mandeb Strait and Mocha
The Houthis had previously seized Mocha and surrounding areas of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait in a swift offensive last month. This strait is a critical maritime corridor for international trade and transit.
- Al-Waziiya’s mountainous terrain is considered vital for controlling the approach to Mocha.
- Securing al-Waziiya is seen as a prerequisite for retaking the city of Mocha.
- The Houthis’ control over these areas poses a challenge to maritime security.
Saudi Interception of Houthi Missile
Amidst the ground offensive, the Saudi-led coalition announced the interception of a ballistic missile launched by the Houthis. The missile was targeted at the city of Khamis Mushait in southwestern Saudi Arabia.
Coalition’s Deterrence Efforts
Major-General Turki al-Maliki, spokesperson for the coalition, stated that the missile threats originated from Houthi-held territories, including Sanaa, Saada, and Amran. The coalition reiterated its commitment to neutralizing missile threats and destroying their launch sites.
- The coalition intercepted and destroyed one Houthi ballistic missile.
- The missile was aimed at the city of Khamis Mushait.
- Coalition spokesperson cited Sanaa, Saada, and Amran as launch origins.
- Saudi Arabia continues to counter Houthi missile capabilities.
Attacks on Saudi Airports
Earlier on Tuesday, Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation reported that King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz airport in Jazan and Najran airport were hit by attacks. These airports are located near the Yemen border.
Impact of Airport Attacks
The attacks resulted in injuries to three people with varying degrees of severity and caused material damage. The injured were promptly transported to a hospital for treatment.
Conclusion
The Yemeni government’s offensive in Taiz marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, aiming to regain control of strategically vital areas. The success of the “Dawn of Yemen” campaign hinges on its ability to dislodge Houthi forces from key positions like al-Waziiya and secure the critical Bab al-Mandeb Strait.
Meanwhile, the continued Houthi missile launches and Saudi interceptions highlight the persistent regional security concerns stemming from the conflict.
