Deadly Houthi shelling hits Taiz as government forces advance in Marib

What happened

Al Jazeera Yemen reports that government forces have advanced strategically in Marib governorate as part of their ‘Dawn of Yemen’ offensive, launched roughly a week ago to regain Houthi-held territories including the capital Sanaa. The Houthis, who swept key territory around the Red Sea coast in September, continue to shell residential areas and hospitals in Taiz, causing dozens of civilian casualties according to the report.

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure, battlefield claim or single-source assertion should be treated as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source or a named official. The offensive in Marib reportedly includes government forces capturing commanding heights near Maas camp in the Medghal district and positions north of Harib, with claims of heavy Houthi losses and retreat. Government sources state that over 1,800 precise strikes, including those by warplanes and drones, have been conducted against Houthi targets in the region, neutralizing fighters and destroying vehicles. However, these figures come from military sources and require further verification.

Meanwhile, in Taiz city, under prolonged Houthi siege, intense clashes and shelling by Houthi forces have struck residential neighborhoods like al-Ikhwa, leading to civilian deaths, injuries, and property damage. Humanitarian conditions are deteriorating rapidly, with the health ministry warning of near depletion of medicines, medical supplies, and fuel at health facilities. A Yemeni rights group documented dozens of violations by Houthis in Taiz within 24 hours, including civilian casualties.

Known from the source

• Government forces launched the ‘Dawn of Yemen’ offensive about a week ago aimed at retaking Houthi-held territory.
• Houthis control Sanaa and captured Red Sea coast areas including Mocha and Bab al-Mandeb in September.
• Government troops reportedly captured strategic heights around Maas camp and positions north of Harib in Marib.
• Government sources claim around 1,879 strikes with stated destruction of Houthi fighters and vehicles.
• Houthi shelling targeted residential areas and hospitals in Taiz, causing civilian casualties and destruction.

What remains unclear

The report also mentions Houthi missile attacks on the strategic Jabal Kahboub mountain range, with no casualties reported. Houthi-affiliated media alleges that government airstrikes targeted locations in Hodeidah and Amran, though independent confirmation is lacking. This ongoing military escalation continues to severely affect civilian populations in multiple governorates amid limited humanitarian access.

What remains unclear: Confirm whether the central claim is corroborated; until then treat it as unconfirmed/hearsay. Casualty figures from shelling in Taiz and precise number of strikes and losses claimed by government are sourced to military or rights groups and need independent verification. Attribution of airstrikes on Kamaran Island, al-Qanawis district, and Harf Sufyan requires corroboration. Claims of territorial control gains by government forces in Marib need confirmation from multiple sources.

Evidence note

This story contains report-led claims. The article keeps those claims attributed and treats them as unconfirmed/hearsay unless independently corroborated.

Original source: Al Jazeera Yemen. Open the source.