A correspondent reported from Taiz, Yemen, where a soldier noted the sound of an approaching drone, indicating a potential attack. After taking cover, the correspondent heard loud strikes nearby, though the exact locations of the impacts were unclear. The conflict involves Saudi-backed pro-government forces fighting against Houthi fighters, who recently captured a key shipping chokepoint along the Red Sea, escalating the ongoing civil war in Yemen.
The correspondent traveled with government forces from Taiz, navigating through checkpoints to observe the front lines. Many homes in the area are abandoned as families have fled the violence. The environment is described as eerily quiet, with only the sounds of livestock and distant gunfire audible. One local resident, identified only as Ali, shared that he had sent his children to a displacement camp due to the ongoing shelling, while he remained to care for his goats, expressing fear for his family's safety.
Reports indicate that the Houthis are consolidating troops and preparing for a major offensive, while government forces are also on alert. At a nearby checkpoint, a soldier mentioned that the bodies of 18 government soldiers remained in an area they could not access due to the ongoing fighting.
The conflict around Taiz has intensified since the Houthis took control of the strategic Red Sea port of Mokha on September 10, following the collapse of a four-year ceasefire. This development has raised concerns about potential disruptions to oil supplies, contributing to rising prices.
Taiz, Yemen's third-largest city, is strategically located between Houthi-controlled northern areas and government-held southern regions. The city is encircled by front lines, with government forces controlling the center and Houthi positions to the north and east. Recent fighting has focused on high ground that is crucial for controlling access to the city.
The correspondent noted the presence of ambulances transporting casualties to Taiz's main hospital, indicating the severity of the situation. Despite the ongoing conflict, life continues in the city, with shops open and children playing, although the sounds of shelling and gunfire are ever-present.
An international coalition led by Saudi Arabia supports the Yemeni government with weapons and airstrikes against Houthi positions. The Houthis have been reported to use drones extensively in their operations, with Iran alleged to be their main supplier of military support, a claim Iran denies.
The report highlights the humanitarian impact of the conflict, with children among the casualties. One case mentioned is that of twelve-year-old Ghana, who was injured by shrapnel while herding goats. The UN reported that over 130,000 people have been displaced in Yemen in September alone, adding to the 5.2 million already displaced by the civil war. The UN warns that another 100,000 people may be forced from their homes in the coming months due to the ongoing violence.