Kathmandu— Yemeni forces have claimed a strategic district in Hodeidah amid ongoing intense clashes with Houthi rebels, particularly in Taiz and Hodeidah provinces. The fighting has resulted in significant casualties, including more than 60 people, and has displaced civilians. Government forces have reported capturing Hais district, linking Hodeidah, Taiz, and Ibb provinces, while Houthi fighters have intensified their attacks, leading to new displacement and civilian casualties.

Clashes and Casualties

The clashes between Yemeni forces and Houthi rebels have escalated, particularly in Taiz and Hodeidah provinces. More than 60 people, including civilians, were killed in Taiz on Saturday. The Yemeni military has also reported capturing dozens of Houthi fighters in the al-Jarahi district. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that about 1,800 families have been displaced over the past two days due to the fighting in Taiz.

Government Response and Warnings

Yemen’s military spokesman, Colonel Majed al-Nozaili, stated that forces targeted a Houthi site in response to the group’s “violations and escalation.” The Presidential Leadership Council chairman, Rashad al-Alimi, warned that the Houthis “will bear the consequences” and that Taiz “will not be a corridor” for the group’s backers, referring to Iran. The Yemeni government has also warned that any Houthi movement towards the Bab al-Mandeb strait would face “harsh attrition.”

Houthi Activities and Military Operations

Houthi fighters have been clashing with Yemeni government forces in the country’s southwest, and their attacks on Taiz have escalated, triggering a new displacement wave. Yemeni forces have continued strikes on Houthi positions in areas across Taiz and Lahj, and Yemeni media reported that the military’s drones destroyed Houthi reinforcements south of al-Jarahi in coordination with a ground assault. Al Jazeera’s correspondent reported powerful explosions in Taiz, noting the Yemeni Defence Ministry’s deployment of new weapons systems.

The renewed clashes continue to take a heavy toll on civilians and have displaced thousands. The situation remains volatile, with both sides warning of harsh consequences for further Houthi movements.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

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Originally published on abcnews.com.np.