Yemeni Government Forces Hit Back After Houthi Offensive in Marib and Makha

What happened

Al Jazeera Yemen reports that Yemeni government forces, with backing from Saudi Arabia, have launched counterattacks following a recent Houthi offensive in territories under government control. The confrontations are concentrated in areas including Marib and the strategically important port city of Makha.

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 report emphasizes that the Houthis have intensified their attacks on these government-held locations, although the source does not specify details about casualties, precise timing, or the nature of the military operations involved.

This escalation has prompted concerns among observers about a possible return to full-scale war in Yemen, potentially reversing previous gains from diplomatic efforts and exacerbating the country's humanitarian crisis.

Known from the source

• Yemeni government forces have launched counterstrikes in response to a new Houthi offensive.
• Saudi Arabia is backing the Yemeni government forces in these strikes.
• The Houthis have stepped up attacks in government-controlled areas including Marib and Makha.
• The source for these facts is Al Jazeera Yemen as of August 16, 2026.
• There are rising concerns that fighting could escalate back to full-scale war.

What remains unclear

No independent confirmation of attack responsibility beyond the attribution provided by the Yemeni government and Al Jazeera is available in the supplied material. The source does not provide casualty figures or direct Houthi counterstatements.

What remains unclear: Confirm whether the central claim is corroborated; until then treat it as unconfirmed/hearsay. Casualty figures for both sides in the recent attacks. Independent confirmation of military engagements and territorial changes. Official statements or claims from Houthi representatives.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: Al Jazeera Yemen. Open the source.