Saudi airstrikes intensify as Yemeni army advances toward Taiz

Saudi warplanes have significantly intensified airstrikes across Yemeni provinces in an effort to halt a major ground offensive by the Yemeni Armed Forces, which has secured strategic highlands in Taiz and consolidated control near the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

According to the Yemeni Armed Forces, the Saudi-led coalition carried out 94 airstrikes against Yemeni territories in a 24-hour period, marking a sharp escalation from the previous average of 40 to 50 daily strikes.

Since the renewal of intense fighting, Riyadh has launched approximately 1,350 airstrikes across the country.

While the bombardment resulted in the martyrdom of at least two Yemeni civilians and wounded over five others, the Yemeni Army and popular committees have continued their advance against Saudi-backed factions.

In a significant tactical development, the Yemeni Armed Forces captured the strategic Al-Rasen mountain range in the Taiz province.

This advancement is a key step in completing the siege of Taiz and expelling Saudi-backed forces from the region.

Field reports indicate that the Yemeni Army is also pursuing localized agreements, with ongoing negotiations between tribal figures in the Al-Hujariyyah district and military commanders to facilitate a secure and peaceful entry into the city of Al-Turba, ensuring the safety of its residents.

Top Saudi-backed commander killed as Yemeni forces make gains in Ta’izz

A high-ranking commander of Saudi-backed mercenary forces has been killed in clashes with advancing Yemeni Armed Forces in Yemen’s southwestern province of Ta’izz.

Additionally, Yemeni forces destroyed a critical supply bridge linking Saudi-backed territories to the southern city of Aden, severing a major logistical route for the opposing factions.

The official spokesperson for the Yemeni government in Sana'a issued a public appeal to the residents of Taiz, urging them to unite with the fighters to expel the occupying forces and fully liberate the province.

Control of the Red Sea

The battle for Taiz carries significant maritime implications. The full liberation of the province would secure the Yemeni Army's recent territorial gains along the southwestern coast and the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

If the Yemeni Armed Forces consolidate their control over Taiz, it will neutralize future Saudi attempts to launch offensives from this axis.

The current escalation follows a July 20 declaration by the Sana'a administration, which imposed a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia in response to the nearly 12-year siege on Yemen.

In recent weeks, the Yemeni military has announced several successful naval operations targeting ships linked to Saudi Arabia in the Red Sea, enforcing the blockade and impacting Riyadh's energy exports.

The conflict traces back to March 2015, when Saudi Arabia and a US-backed coalition launched a sweeping military campaign and blockade aimed at reinstalling a favorable regime in Sana'a.

Despite years of bombardment and the deployment of advanced Western weaponry, the Saudi coalition has failed to achieve its stated objectives.

Instead, the Yemeni military has expanded its territorial control, secured the Red Sea coast, and advanced toward the complete liberation of Taiz.

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