Houthi Forces Launch Major Offensive in Lahj Fronts; Joint Forces Mount Resistance

Joint forces, comprising the First Maghawir Brigade of the National Resistance and the Fourth Hazm Brigade, are currently engaged in intense defensive operations following a large-scale offensive launched by Houthi militias across the Maqatirah and Tur al-Bahah districts in Lahj governorate.

Field sources report that the Houthi militia mobilized significant military reinforcements, deploying more than 40 combat vehicles and technicals through the Hayjat al-Abd pass. The offensive, which began in the early hours of Friday morning, involves multi-pronged assaults from the Haifan, Hayjat al-Abd, al-Sahha, and al-Sawalihah fronts. The militia is utilizing a wide array of heavy weaponry and artillery to facilitate a breakthrough toward the strategic Suq al-Rubu area and the Tur al-Bahah district, with the apparent objective of bypassing existing military positions to threaten the coastal road.

In addition to the ground assault, the militia has subjected residential areas in Tur al-Bahah to sustained mortar and artillery fire. These projectiles are being launched from high-ground positions, including the Jabal Haifan and al-Athawir areas, posing a severe threat to the civilian population residing in the targeted zones.

In a coordinated response, air support operations were conducted to blunt the militia's advance. Warplanes carried out multiple airstrikes targeting Houthi reinforcements and gatherings in the Hayjat al-Abd area and north of al-Rahidah. These strikes aim to neutralize the militia’s logistical advantages and provide critical support to the defending ground forces.

The security situation remains volatile following the withdrawal of forces under the Tur al-Bahah axis, led by Abu Bakr al-Jabouli, from the strategic Jabal An'an mountain. This withdrawal allowed Houthi forces to seize the high ground overlooking Suq al-Rubu. As clashes continue across various sectors, the joint forces and local resistance units remain engaged in active combat, striving to repel the militia’s attempts to penetrate defensive lines and stabilize the front.