Kathmandu— Yemen’s internationally recognized government claims to have made significant military gains against the Houthi movement, recapturing strategic territory in Hodeidah province and advancing in western Taiz. However, the fighting has escalated, raising fears of a return to full-scale war. The Houthis still control the capital, Sanaa, and several other cities, and have themselves recently advanced around Taiz, aiming to threaten government-held ports and move towards the strategically vital Bab al-Mandeb strait.

Saudi Arabia’s Involvement

The conflict is increasingly intertwined with the wider regional conflict linked to the US-Israel war on Iran. The Iran-backed Houthis announced a maritime blockade of Saudi Arabia in July, targeting Saudi ships and territory. In response, Saudi Arabia has carried out air strikes against Houthi positions in Taiz. Bab al-Mandeb has become particularly important, as it is a key transit route for Saudi oil and a key exit-entry point to the Red Sea. Saudi Arabia has announced a mission to form an international alliance to guard the Red Sea from attacks on shipping by Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen.

The situation remains volatile, with both sides pushing for control of key areas. The latest gains by the Yemeni government do not yet amount to a decisive shift in Yemen’s long-running war, and the Houthis continue to control the capital, Sanaa, and several other cities.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

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Originally published on abcnews.com.np.