Yemen's Taiz on alert as Houthis press for siege

Yemen's Taiz province has declared a state of general alert and mobilisation as Houthi forces intensify their military pressure, raising fears of a complete siege on the strategic city. The move comes amid escalating clashes on multiple fronts and reports of government forces advancing in western Taiz after repelling a Houthi offensive. The Houthis are seeking to take control of the only southern route linking Taiz with the interim capital Aden and other government-held provinces. Such a move would sever the last major supply line for the province, where around four million people live, and could worsen an already severe humanitarian crisis. Government forces have recaptured positions in western Taiz, supported by airstrikes targeting Houthi reinforcements and vehicles. Military sources reported that troops advanced toward the Ghail Bani Omar region and recaptured positions overlooking the Jurdad area in al-Shamayatayn district. The fighting has been accompanied by reciprocal artillery fire and repeated closures of the eastern Al-Qasr crossing following Houthi shelling. The threat of a siege has prompted widespread civilian preparation.