Clashes between Iran-backed Houthi rebels and Yemeni government forces continued overnight Thursday, raising fresh concerns that Yemen’s long-running civil war could intensify. The renewed violence comes as conflict spreads across the Middle East and could create another dangerous front in the region.
At least one Yemeni government soldier was killed and another was critically wounded during clashes with Houthi fighters in the mountainous province of Taiz, according to Yemeni military officials who spoke to The Associated Press. The fighting was part of a series of recent Houthi attacks on government-held areas. The Yemeni military said dozens of government troops have been killed in attacks since last week.
In the central province of Marib, several tribal leaders said Yemeni army artillery targeted Houthi movements overnight. The latest fighting shows the growing pressure on areas controlled by the Yemeni government as the Houthis continue their attacks.
The Houthis have carried out drone and missile strikes on government-held areas. They say their attacks target military forces and weapons warehouses. The group has also attacked oil facilities in neighbouring Saudi Arabia, which supports Yemen’s government. Houthi attacks have also targeted Saudi shipping in the Red Sea.