Houthis seize key districts in Taiz

Yemen’s Houthi rebels have seized several key districts leading towards Jebel Saber, a strategic mountain overlooking the important city of Taiz, Al Jazeera reported on Saturday, October 17.

Jebel Saber offers a panoramic view of Taiz, making it a strategic target for the Houthis. They are also tightening their encirclement of the city.

According to Al Jazeera, if the Houthis capture the mountain, they will be able to monitor most of the city’s roads and track the movements of Yemeni government forces. Control of the mountain could also help them capture Taiz without having to send their fighters into the city.

The fiercest fighting is currently taking place in southwestern Taiz, where Yemeni government forces are trying to retake areas under Houthi control. The government forces are receiving support from the Saudi air force, which regularly carries out airstrikes targeting Houthi positions in the southwestern part of the city.

Meanwhile, the United Nations has warned that the fighting is worsening the humanitarian situation in Taiz. Civilians are facing difficulties accessing food and water.

The UN has also warned that only limited supplies of flour remain in the city, cooking gas is unavailable and fuel prices continue to rise.

The Houthis have called on government forces in Taiz to surrender peacefully, but fighting continues.

If government forces ultimately lose control of the city, it would deal a major blow to Yemen’s internationally recognised government.

-AJM