Houthi forces have expanded their deployment in southern Taiz’s rural and mountainous areas after withdrawing from positions in Dhubab and Bab al-Mandab, while Yemeni government forces redirected their operations toward Al-Wazi’iyah to secure the inland approaches to the western coast, field sources told Sheba Intelligence.

The sources said Houthi forces had taken control of strategically important areas in Al-Turbah, Al-Silw and Sami’, giving them positions along key transport routes and high ground overlooking parts of southern Taiz and approaches toward the coast.

The developments highlight the importance of securing the mountainous hinterland alongside coastal advances between Bab al-Mandab and Mocha.

Government Forces Secure Al-Wazi’iyah

In remarks carried by Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ekhbariya channel, Yemen’s defense minister announced that government forces had achieved full control across the Al-Wazi’iyah fronts. He said Houthi forces had withdrawn toward Al-Turbah and surrounding areas, while government troops continued advancing on eastern, western and central fronts.

Government forces had regained control of Dhubab District, which includes Mayyun Island and overlooks the Bab al-Mandab Strait, and advanced toward Al-Umari camp before shifting their operations to secure the highlands and inland approaches through the capture of Al-Wazi’iyah.

According to the sources, Houthi groups remained under a tight siege in pockets within Dhubab and on Mayyun Island, despite government forces regaining control of the district.

Images were also broadcast from Dhubab Airport, one of the sites captured during the government advance. Securing the airport reinforces the government’s coastal presence, while operations in Al-Wazi’iyah aim to protect inland access routes and supply lines.

Government forces had reached the outskirts of Mocha before returning to consolidate their positions in Dhubab and deploying in Al-Wazi’iyah to secure their coastal gains and the areas behind their advancing units.

Houthi Deployment in Al-Turbah, Al-Silw and Sami’

The sources said Houthi control of Al-Turbah gives the group leverage over the road connecting Taiz with Aden through the southern countryside, threatening a major access route and tightening pressure on the city.

Deployment in the Al-Silw and Sami’ highlands also provides commanding positions overlooking surrounding areas and routes linking southern Taiz with approaches toward the western coast.

The sources estimated the straight-line distance from the Al-Silw highlands to Aden at approximately 110 kilometers, with a similar distance separating the highlands from Mayyun Island in Bab al-Mandab. They raised concerns that these areas could be used to threaten Aden or the strait with missiles.

That assessment describes a potential threat. The information provided does not establish that missile systems have been deployed in those locations; any such capability would depend on the weapons available, their range and launch arrangements.

Heavy Fighting and Airstrikes Across Taiz

Field updates reported intense fighting between government and Houthi forces on the Jabal Habashi and Al-Aqroud fronts, alongside clashes around Jabal Han west of Taiz city.

An ambush targeting Houthi fighters in Al-Aqroud reportedly caused deaths and injuries as fighting continued in parts of Jabal Habashi District. No specific casualty figures were provided.

The Taiz Military Axis reported airstrikes against Houthi forces on Jabal Matran in the Qadas area of Al-Mawasit District, south of Taiz.

The drone unit of the Nation’s Shield forces also released images it said showed a strike targeting a vehicle and Houthi gatherings in Al-Bireen, in Al-Ma’afir District.

Defense Minister Says “Dawn of Yemen” Remains in Its First Phase

The defense minister told Al-Ekhbariya that Operation “Dawn of Yemen” comprises six phases and remains in section “B” of its first phase. He said no end date could be set for the operation.

He added that coordination with the coalition extends from planning through execution, with unified leadership across the fronts and scope for decentralized implementation.

The minister emphasized the protection of civilian lives and said Taiz’s fronts span mountainous and rural terrain, with some fronts requiring their own timing and operational arrangements.

The fighting continues as government forces seek to consolidate their gains around Bab al-Mandab and Dhubab, secure Al-Wazi’iyah’s inland approaches and confront Houthi deployments in southern Taiz’s highlands.