Yemeni Forces Launch Offensive to Retake Houthi-Held Al-Waziiya in Taiz

Forces aligned with Yemen’s internationally recognized government have initiated an operation to capture the mountainous district of al-Waziiya from the Houthis. This offensive is part of a broader effort to regain control of the Red Sea coast and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. The operation began on Tuesday in Taiz governorate, coinciding with Saudi Arabia intercepting a Houthi ballistic missile aimed at Khamis Mushait. Rashad al-Alimi, chairman of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council, announced the "Dawn of Yemen" offensive on Sunday, which aims to reclaim all Houthi-held territory, including the capital, Sanaa, controlled by the Iran-backed group since 2014. The media center of Yemen’s army reported on X that the Homeland Shield Forces, a pro-government military faction, have started a large-scale operation to retake al-Waziiya, claiming to have secured strategic hills overlooking the al-Mansoura area amid a retreat by Houthi forces. However, the Houthis denied these claims, asserting they successfully repelled the Yemeni government advance. Al-Waziiya is located west of Taiz and east of the Red Sea port of Mocha, which the Houthis seized last month. Al Jazeera’s Yousef Mawry reported that control of al-Waziiya is crucial for the Yemeni government to take over Mocha. The Saudi-led coalition reported intercepting and destroying a Houthi missile launched towards Khamis Mushait, with Major-General Turki al-Maliki stating that missile threats originated from Houthi-held Sanaa and surrounding governorates. Earlier on Tuesday, Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation reported that King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz airport in Jazan and Najran airport were hit in attacks that resulted in injuries and material damage. The Houthis claimed responsibility for targeting sites across southern Saudi Arabia, including airports and military installations. The Saudi-led coalition confirmed its involvement in the Yemeni government offensive, stating that 100 fighter jets are providing air support. Pakistan and Turkiye have also agreed to activate deterrence measures under their mutual defense pact with Saudi Arabia and deploy forces to counter Houthi attacks.