Houthi Capture of Turbah Encircles Yemen’s Taiz

Houthi forces captured Turbah on October 4, largely encircling Taiz and cutting most supply routes from government-held areas, according to residents and local officials. The advance has renewed fears of a siege in Yemen’s third-largest city, where residents report shortages and renewed fighting. Taiz, in southwestern Yemen, has more than 1 million residents. People have been buying food and other essentials amid concerns that supplies could run low. Residents reported dwindling diesel and cooking gas, rising food and water prices, and some people turning to cardboard and wood for cooking fuel. Shaif al-Gabiri, a child protection consultant with the Civic Center for Advocacy and Support, warned that stocks could run out if the siege continues. The reported route closures have also made it more difficult to deliver medical supplies. Dr. Fahd Nazary of the Taiz provincial health office said hospitals could run out of diesel, while local accounts described growing numbers of wounded people being taken to city hospitals. Abdelrahman al-Qaliaa, a local Industry and Trade Ministry official, said the closures had caused confusion and urged residents to buy only immediate necessities.