Houthi Armed Group Encircles Taiz and Shells Residential Areas

The Houthi Armed Group has largely encircled Taiz, Yemen's third-largest city, following a new offensive that ended a 2022 truce in August. The group intensified its siege on October 13 through heavy shelling of residential neighborhoods and the closure of a main road to Aden. In a 24-hour period ending October 13, shelling killed five civilians, including a five-year-old girl, and wounded 17 others in Taiz city and the Al-Misrakh district. Attacks also targeted Al-Safwa Hospital, causing material damage and injuring one civilian.

The offensive has seen the Houthi Armed Group seize the Red Sea coast, the port city of Mocha, and the town of Turbah on October 4, effectively cutting off most supply routes. On October 13, the group captured Mudiriyat al-Misrakh, further tightening the grip on the city. Government sources estimate that 80,000 residents have fled the fighting, while the International Organization for Migration reports skyrocketing prices for wheat and water due to blocked supplies.

Pro-government forces are currently fighting in the surrounding mountains to break the encirclement. While the internationally recognized government recently recovered ground near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, the fall of Taiz would leave the oil-rich city of Marib as the final government-controlled stronghold in northern Yemen. Local health officials warn of a potential catastrophe as hospitals face critical diesel shortages and restricted medical supplies.