Yemeni Forces Consolidate West Coast Gains, Reinforce Bab al-Mandab Positions
Yemeni armed forces consolidated gains along the western coast and reinforced positions overlooking the Bab al-Mandab Strait, advancing in al-Wazi'iyah district in western Taiz province under Operation "Dawn of Yemen." Fighting with the Houthis continued in the southern Taiz countryside and around the city, and army figures put Houthi losses at nearly 10,000 killed or wounded over two weeks. Taiz province's emergency committee suspended classes and placed government employees on temporary leave in districts under Houthi control, while the United Nations warned of a worsening humanitarian situation and road closures disrupted aid access.
Why it matters: The consolidation of positions overlooking Bab al-Mandab bears on the maritime security theme, since the strait is a strategic corridor.