Houthi Offensive in Yemen Stalls Amid Heavy Resistance and Air Strikes

Air strikes and challenging terrain have so far prevented the Houthis from turning coastal gains into a wider breakthrough

Yemen’s Houthi rebels launched intense attacks across frontlines in Taiz governorate on Thursday, seeking to expand on their recent capture of key areas along the Red Sea coast. Backed by Iran, the group has been attempting to leverage momentum from its earlier advances. However, Yemeni government forces have largely maintained their positions and report having inflicted significant losses on the Houthis during the clashes.

Despite calls from President Rashad al-Alimi of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council for a general mobilization on September 25, there remains little indication that the Saudi-backed government is preparing for an immediate large-scale counteroffensive. Instead, officials suggest a more measured approach, focusing on strengthening military readiness and cohesion.

Abdul Basir al-Bahr, a senior official within the Yemeni government army’s Taiz Military Axis, explained to Al Jazeera that the mobilization effort includes recalling reserve personnel, retraining active fighters, and integrating local anti-Houthi militias alongside civilian volunteers. While these steps are still in early phases, al-Bahr emphasized that assessing their combat effectiveness will require more time.

According to field monitoring by Al Jazeera, sustained fighting has continued since early September, particularly in Taiz, though no decisive breakthroughs linked directly to the mobilization have materialized. Similar conditions persist in strategic areas such as the Kahboub Mountains near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait and in Lahj, located south of Taiz.

Government field commanders confirm that frontline reinforcements tied to the broader mobilization have yet to materialize. Nonetheless, military activity has intensified. On Monday, Colonel Majid al-Nazili, spokesman for Yemeni government forces, stated that over 400 strikes—including air raids, drone attacks, and artillery fire—were conducted within 24 hours, targeting Houthi positions and supply routes.

Houthi Momentum Slows

The ability of Yemen’s government forces to resist further Houthi advances following the loss of the Red Sea coastline suggests improved defensive capabilities. Analysts attribute this to a mix of advantageous terrain in regions like the Taiz mountains and Lahj, coupled with enhanced firepower provided through external support.

Earlier setbacks suffered by anti-Houthi factions stemmed partly from poor coordination. Even under a unified command structure, forces struggled to respond swiftly when the Houthis advanced along the coast. Since then, greater unity has emerged among pro-government fighters in Taiz, Lahj, and Marib—regions where experience in repelling Houthi offensives runs deep.

Airpower usage has also escalated, with government sources reporting hundreds of precision strikes aimed at disrupting Houthi troop movements and logistics in recent days.

Despite seizing portions of Yemen’s Red Sea coast, the Houthis now face the challenge of securing elevated terrain in the mountains overlooking Bab al-Mandeb and access routes inland—key assets needed to solidify their territorial gains. Their attempts to capture these positions have thus far failed, leaving them stretched thin in terms of manpower and supply demands.

As a result, the conflict has evolved into a war of attrition centered on control of roads and communication lines. Neither side has managed to replicate the swift breakthroughs previously seen along the Red Sea corridor.

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