Fighting in Yemen’s Taiz Area Reportedly Kills 80 Combatants

Fighting between Yemen’s Houthis and Saudi-backed government forces in the Taiz area has reportedly killed 80 combatants over the past day, according to figures from both sides cited by Agence France-Presse.

Houthi military sources said at least 55 anti-government fighters were killed during 24 hours of clashes near Taiz. Government sources separately reported that 26 troops had died.

The figures could not be independently verified in the source, and the separate totals add up to 81, one more than the overall toll of 80 reported from sources on both sides.

Clashes near strategic coastal areas

The fighting has taken place across several fronts in Taiz governorate, including highland areas overlooking coastal territory held by the Houthis. The group has taken control of Yemen’s Red Sea coast, including areas around the Bab al-Mandab strait.

The strait is considered important for Saudi energy exports and international shipping. The Houthis have seized large areas of territory but have not taken Taiz city, Yemen’s third-largest city after Sanaa and Aden.

Government sources also said the Houthis destroyed a bridge on Thursday linking government-held areas with Aden, where the internationally recognised Yemeni government is based.

Fighting in Taiz has continued since the Houthis launched an offensive against the internationally recognised, Saudi-backed government. The Houthis are described as backed by Iran, while government forces receive backing from Saudi Arabia.

UN warns of civilian danger

Hans Grunberg, the United Nations special envoy for Yemen, said he was alarmed by developments in Taiz governorate and warned that Houthi operations posed “grave risks to the civilian population”.

“Civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected,” Grunberg said. “Every effort must be made to prevent further harm and ensure safe and unhindered access to people in need.”

No civilian casualty figures were provided in the reported accounts.