Yemeni forces launch offensive to retake Houthi-held al-Waziiya in Taiz

Forces aligned with Yemen's internationally recognised government have launched an operation to capture the mountainous district of al-Waziiya in Taiz governorate, officials said, as part of a wider push to recover Houthi-held territory along the Red Sea coast. The move forms the opening of the 'Dawn of Yemen' offensive, a campaign announced by Presidential Leadership Council chair Rashad al-Alimi that aims to reclaim all remaining areas under Houthi control, including Sanaa. The media centre of Yemen's army reported on X that the Homeland Shield Forces, a pro-government faction, initiated a "large-scale operation" and secured strategic hills overlooking the al-Mansoura area, describing a mass retreat by Houthi fighters. The Houthi movement, however, rejected those claims and said its forces had successfully repelled the advance in al-Waziiya. The district's position west of Taiz and east of the Red Sea port of Mocha gives it significant tactical value: analysts and reporters note that control of these mountains was a precursor to the Houthi seizure of Mocha last month. Military control of al-Waziiya would therefore be seen by government backers as a necessary step toward retaking the port and restoring access to the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a strategic maritime chokepoint. The offensive unfolded amid intensified regional hostilities. The Saudi-led coalition said it intercepted and destroyed a Houthi ballistic missile launched toward Khamis Mushait, and Saudi authorities reported strikes that wounded three people and damaged King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz airport in Jazan and Najran airport near the Yemen border. The coalition confirmed it is providing air support to the Yemeni government operation, saying 100 fighter jets are involved, and Pakistan and Turkiye have agreed to activate deterrence measures and prepare rapid deployments in coordination with Saudi Arabia to counter Houthi attacks.