Fighting Between Houthis and Yemeni Forces on Red Sea Coast Leaves 80 Dead

Darwin, October 3: At least 80 fighters have been killed over the past 24 hours in fierce fighting between Iran-backed Houthi rebels and Saudi-backed government forces over control of areas near Yemen’s Red Sea coast, sources on both sides told the French news agency AFP on Friday (October 2).

Clashes have been continuing for several weeks in the Red Sea coastal areas of Taiz province. Weeks ago, the Houthis launched a surprise offensive against Yemen’s internationally recognized, Saudi-backed government.

The Houthis have since taken control of Yemen’s entire Red Sea coastline, including areas around the Bab al-Mandab Strait. The strait, located at the southern entrance to the Red Sea, is a strategically important route for global maritime trade as well as Saudi Arabia’s energy exports.

Houthi military sources said at least 55 anti-government fighters had been killed in the past 24 hours during clashes with government forces in the Taiz area. Meanwhile, government sources told AFP that 26 of their soldiers had been killed.

Fighting is taking place on multiple fronts around Taiz. In recent weeks, clashes have also spread to mountainous areas overlooking coastal territory captured by the Houthis.

However, the Houthis have yet to take control of Taiz, Yemen’s third-largest city. After the capital Sana’a and Aden, Taiz is the country’s third-largest city.

Hans Grundberg, the United Nations special envoy for Yemen, expressed concern over the situation in Taiz on Thursday. He said the Houthi military offensive was creating serious risks for civilians.

Source: CBS News