Yemeni Government Forces Seize Two Strategic Mountains from Houthis

The Government of Yemen military forces captured two strategic mountain positions in separate operations between September 22 and 23, 2026, intensifying pressure on Houthi-held territories.

In the Lahj governorate, government forces seized Jabal Zalat, a mountain overlooking the Al-Omari area and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Fayyad Alnoman, assistant undersecretary at the Information Ministry, stated the operation caused heavy losses of personnel and equipment for Houthi forces and placed the Al-Omari military camp within firing range.

Following this, government forces and local resistance fighters captured Mount Qarfan in the Ash Shamaytayn district of southern Taiz province. Major General Abdulaziz al-Majidi reported that the engagement killed more than five Houthi fighters and wounded approximately 20 others.

These seizures are part of broader counteroffensives in Taiz and Lahj provinces aimed at securing routes toward the western coast and Dhubab. Concurrent military activity included government strikes on Houthi supply lines in Al-Bayda province and the Bab al-Mandab area, as well as the downing of a Houthi reconnaissance drone on the Al-Kadha front. The Houthis have not issued a comment on the loss of Jabal Zalat.