Kathmandu— Yemeni government forces are engaged in fierce clashes with Houthi fighters across several fronts west of Taiz province. The Iran-backed Houthis launched an offensive on Thursday, attempting to advance and cut the road linking Taiz to al-Makha (Mocha), aiming to sever a strategic supply route for the Yemeni government.

Houthi Offensive Details

The Houthi fighters attempted to reach and control the port city of al-Makha, which would cut off government forces from a key supply route. According to Al Jazeera’s Yousef Mawry reporting from Sanaa, taking control of al-Makha would also give the Houthis a foothold in the Red Sea, a critical maritime route for oil exports and global trade.

Casualties and Military Operations

Yemen’s Army Media Centre reported that the Houthis fired 14 ballistic missiles and launched drones at populated districts in Taiz and Hodeidah. The media centre also stated that more than 18 Houthi fighters were killed or wounded as they clashed with Yemeni forces in southwestern areas on Thursday. An unnamed military source told AFP that 13 government forces were killed, mostly on the front lines between al-Makha and Taiz.

Clashes Intensify

The fighting has intensified over recent weeks with exchanges of fire and drone attacks reported across nearly the entire frozen front line. The Yemen News Agency (Saba) reported that the army shot down three Houthi drones in Taiz governorate and was engaged in fierce clashes on the al-Barah front, west of Taiz city.

Regional Context

Yemen has been mired in conflict since 2014 when the Houthis seized Sanaa. A truce struck between the Houthis and the internationally recognized government in 2022 largely held until now, but progress towards a lasting agreement stalled in 2023 amid regional tensions and Israel’s war on Gaza.

The current status of the conflict remains tense as both sides continue to engage in fierce fighting. The ability of government forces to maintain control over strategic areas will be crucial in determining the next steps.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.