Yemen: Fierce Clashes in Al-Shamaytayn as Houthis Fail to Advance West of Taiz

Intense fighting continued between government forces and Iran-backed Houthi militias in the Al-Shamaytayn district, west of Taiz province, as the insurgents attempted to push towards strategic locations.

Field sources reported that despite significant efforts, the Houthi militia was unable to gain ground towards the Rasen and Jurad mountains. Their forces reportedly reached the Al-Damdam area before being repelled by government troops and supporting local tribes, retreating towards the Upper and Lower Sharira areas.

The region between Al-Turbah city and the Rasen mountains spans over 30 kilometers and includes a series of strategic sites, mountains, and valleys, notably Rasen, Al-Zaza', Al-Masahin, Al-Muqarimah, Al-Zakirah, Bani Shuba East, Bani Shuba West, Al-Kuwayrah, and Al-Bidha'ah. Government forces currently control large portions of this rugged terrain.

Sources indicate the Houthi militia's objective in controlling Rasen and Jurad is to secure firing positions for areas already under their control to the west and to establish fire superiority over territories east of these mountains. This strategic aim encompasses areas stretching towards Al-Waz'iyah in the west and Bani Omar to Al-Safiyah in the east, particularly the regions of Bani Muhammad, Bani Shuba East, Al-Bidha'ah, and Al-Kuwayrah.

The militia reportedly sustained substantial losses during the engagements, with their casualties seen scattered across several mountains and valleys, according to the same sources. Amidst the escalating conflict, tribal elders from Al-Zaza', Al-Masahin, and Al-Muqarimah villages have called for a general mobilization among the residents of Al-Shamaytayn to defend their land, honor, and the republic against the aggression of the Iran-backed Houthi militia.

Following their stalled advance, the militia resorted to indiscriminate shelling of villages and residential areas using artillery and mortar fire, causing panic among the civilian population, including women and children.