Fierce clashes broke out in Al-Dhalea, Yemen, between Houthi militants and troops linked to the Southern Transitional Council (STC). The fighting started when the Houthis launched coordinated attacks on STC positions in the Battar and Tabat Othman areas. STC forces responded with medium and heavy weapons, leading to intense armed confrontations that lasted for hours.
According to a military official, the attacks were eventually repelled after both sides suffered casualties, although specific numbers were not immediately disclosed. The Houthi group has not yet commented on the reported clashes. This escalation followed an announcement by the Houthis’ General Mobilisation Forces in Sanaa about their readiness to support frontline units in various battle zones.
Yemen has been in turmoil since late 2014, with the Houthis seizing control of the capital, Sanaa. This prompted a Saudi-led coalition to intervene in 2015 in support of the internationally-recognized government. Despite a UN-mediated truce that held for six months before expiring, both sides have mostly observed a de facto ceasefire, with occasional clashes in contested regions.
