Houthis Besiege Taiz as International Allies Bolster Saudi Defenses
Houthi forces have encircled Taiz and launched deadly missile strikes, prompting the UK and Egypt to deploy air defenses to protect Saudi Arabia.
The Houthis have encircled the city of Taiz, Yemen, blocking the primary supply route to Aden and cutting off humanitarian aid for millions. The World Food Programme reports that 800,000 people in the region are now cut off from life-saving assistance. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk warned that the blockade puts civilians at grave risk and demanded the immediate opening of supply routes and the release of detained UN and NGO staff. Between August 1 and October 19, the UN verified 32 civilian deaths in Taiz Governorate, including 14 children.
Violence has escalated beyond the siege. Houthi ballistic missiles struck the al-Alam military base in Shabwah governorate, killing 73 recruits and wounding over 200. Governor Awad Ibn al-Wazir clarified that the recruits were training for provincial security rather than combat. Additionally, a Houthi strike on a residential area in Taiz killed two teenage girls. The rebels also targeted Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where a missile was intercepted near King Khalid International Airport.
In response, the Government of Yemen launched the Dawn of Yemen offensive on October 5, and President Rashad al-Alimi requested that the UN designate the Houthis as a terrorist organization. Internationally, the United Kingdom is deploying Typhoon fighter jets for defensive air patrols, and Egypt plans to deploy air defense systems to protect Saudi Arabia. U.S. envoy Tom Barrack stated the United States will provide logistical backing but will not deploy ground troops.
