Yemen's Al-Alimi orders readiness after deadly Houthi clashes

Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council Chairman Rashad Al-Alimi on Sunday ordered government forces to maintain maximum military readiness against Houthi fighters following one of the deadliest clashes in years along the strategic western coast. Al-Alimi held a phone call with council member Tareq Saleh to receive updates on developments along the western coast after government forces repelled a Houthi attack in southern Al Hudaydah province, according to Yemen's state news agency SABA.

Saleh briefed Al-Alimi that troops had thwarted infiltration attempts into frontline positions and forced the attackers to retreat after inflicting heavy casualties. Al-Alimi stressed the need “to maintain maximum preparedness” and strengthen coordination among military units “to preserve unified frontlines, thwart hostile attempts and defend citizens and national interests,” the agency reported.

Dozens killed in Hudaydah fighting

Minister of State Walid Al-Qudaimi said 15 government soldiers and 50 Houthi fighters were killed in the fierce clashes in southern Al Hudaydah earlier on Sunday. The confrontation marked one of the most intense battles between government forces and the Iran-aligned Houthi group since a UN-mediated truce took effect approximately four years ago, according to Anadolu Agency.

Fragile calm after years of war

Yemen has largely observed a fragile calm since April 2022 following nearly 12 years of war between government forces and the Houthis, who have controlled the capital Sanaa and other territories since September 2014. The conflict has devastated much of the country’s infrastructure and triggered one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, while UN-led efforts to advance a political settlement continue without a lasting breakthrough.