Fighting in Taiz has intensified in recent days as Houthi forces try to encircle the city. They have captured several districts leading to Jabal Sabir – the mountain that overlooks the city – putting them in an elevated position to monitor roads and incoming military traffic. Taking the mountain would give them a strategic military advantage to take over Taiz, without needing a ground presence in the city itself.
– According to reports, the fighting has mainly been in the southwestern part of the city, where government forces have been trying to reclaim territory. They have also had Saudi air support, which has bombarded Houthi positions in southwestern Taiz.
– The UN says the humanitarian situation in the city is deteriorating daily as the fighting prevents food and medical supplies from entering. The UN warned there is very little flour and wheat left, cooking gas is hard to find and fuel prices are rising.
– The Houthis have reportedly called on government forces in Taiz to peacefully surrender, but clashes are ongoing. If government forces lose control of Taiz, it will be a major backbreaker, because Taiz is considered a major stronghold for the government in the country’s south.
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