Yemen's Government Forces Maintain Positions Amid Houthi Attacks

Yemen’s Houthi rebels launched significant attacks on frontlines in Taiz governorate on Thursday, aiming to capitalize on their recent territorial gains along the Red Sea coast. Yemeni government forces have managed to hold their positions and reported inflicting heavy losses on the Houthis. However, there are indications that the Saudi-backed government is not planning a major counteroffensive soon, despite a call for general mobilization against the rebels made by Rashad al-Alimi, head of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council, on September 25. Instead, the government appears to be focusing on gradually building its military capabilities. Abdul Basir al-Bahr, a senior official in the Taiz Military Axis, stated that the mobilization effort includes reintegrating reserve personnel and retraining them alongside local anti-Houthi fighters and civilian volunteers. He noted that these measures are still in the early stages, and their impact on the battlefield is yet to be determined. Al Jazeera’s field monitoring indicated that fighting has persisted in Taiz since early September without significant changes linked to the mobilization. Similar conditions exist on other fronts, including the Kahboub Mountains and Lahj, south of Taiz. Yemeni government commanders reported that the mobilization has not yet resulted in reinforcements at the frontlines. Nonetheless, military activity has intensified, with Colonel Majid al-Nazili stating that government forces executed over 400 strikes within a 24-hour period against Houthi positions, inflicting personnel and equipment losses. The Yemeni government’s ability to prevent further Houthi advances since losing the coastline is attributed to favorable defensive terrain in the Taiz mountains and Lahj, as well as enhanced firepower. Coordination issues among anti-Houthi forces contributed to the loss of coastal territory, as they struggled to respond effectively to Houthi advances. In Taiz, Lahj, and Marib, anti-Houthi forces have demonstrated greater unity and experience in countering Houthi military actions. Government forces have also had time to bolster areas where Houthi advances are attempted. The use of air power has increased, with hundreds of air, drone, artillery, and other strikes reported against Houthi positions in recent days. The Houthis, having captured sections of the Red Sea coast, now seek control of the mountainous terrain overlooking Bab al-Mandeb and the routes leading inland to solidify their gains. Their efforts to secure this high ground have not yet succeeded, and the expanded territory has heightened the logistical challenges of defending their new positions. The ongoing conflict has evolved into a struggle over roads and supply lines, with neither side achieving the rapid breakthroughs seen previously along the Red Sea coast. Ahmed al-Shalafi, Al Jazeera’s Yemen Editor, noted that the current Houthi offensive in Taiz reflects the group’s aim to secure its coastal gains and disrupt government forces. He identified several factors contributing to the Houthis' lack of success, emphasizing the strategic importance of Taiz and its connections to Lahj, Aden, and Hodeidah. Al-Shalafi highlighted the strong local support for government forces in Taiz, which contrasts with the Houthis' weaker base in the area.