Fighting Intensifies Across Yemen

Yemeni government forces say they have captured the Samaa fort southeast of Taiz after heavy fighting with Houthi forces, as clashes continue across several fronts and air strikes hit areas controlled by the Houthis.

The government-run Saba news agency reported that forces, supported by local fighters from the Samaa district, seized the fort following what it described as violent battles. A military source said dozens of Houthi fighters were killed or wounded and others withdrew from the area.

Government forces also said they had taken control of Jabal Azzan in the Jabal Habashi district west of Taiz, reporting further Houthi casualties during the fighting. Clashes were also reported in the al-Kadaha and Kahbub areas, where several fronts remained active.

In al-Jawf province, government forces said they had shot down four Houthi drones in the Shahla area. The claim could not be independently verified.

The developments came alongside reports of air strikes on Houthi-held areas of the capital, Sanaa.

Yemeni government forces said they had targeted what they described as "legitimate vital military targets" in Sanaa. Government military spokesman Majed al-Nazili said the army was capable of reaching Houthi positions across Yemen.

Reports said air strikes hit areas including al-Sabeen near the presidential compound, the Hafa camp east of the capital and Fajj Attan in western Sanaa. Telecommunications infrastructure in Saada was also reportedly targeted.

The Houthi-run Al Masirah news organisation cited the Health Ministry in Sanaa as saying that 72 people had been killed and 125 wounded in Saudi attacks on Yemen since the latest escalation began. The figures were issued by authorities in Houthi-controlled territory and have not been independently verified.

The latest fighting has raised speculation among local observers that the government forces could be preparing for a broader military offensive against Houthi positions.

The escalation has included fighting on several fronts, while the Houthis have sought to maintain pressure on government forces through attacks and the opening of additional battlefronts.

The competing military claims come amid continued instability in Yemen, where government forces and the Houthis remain divided across large areas of the country.

The situation around Taiz remains particularly volatile, with fighting continuing on the western and southeastern approaches to the city.

The reported capture of Samaa fort and Jabal Azzan, if sustained, would represent further battlefield developments for government forces in the Taiz area. However, the military situation remains fluid and independent verification of the latest territorial changes and casualty figures has not been available.