Escalation: Yemen government launches Taiz, Hodeidah airstrikes

Government warplanes carried out at least 15 strikes on Houthi positions, gatherings and vehicles in Taiz and Hodeidah. The sorties backed government troops as the Houthis pushed toward the Red Sea coast and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, the narrow passage at the sea’s southern entrance. The attacks mark a step up in the government’s own air power after years when Saudi-led aircraft provided most of it.

Fighting concentrated west of Taiz and around the government-held port of al-Makha. Clashes were especially heavy near al-Barah and Maqbanah on a main supply road. Houthi units used missiles, drones and artillery and seized a mountaintop base that overlooks the area.

More than 120 fighters have been killed since the offensive began late in the week. A ballistic missile hit a restaurant in the al-Makha area, killing and injuring civilians.

AI-synthesized from multiple reported sources