TAIZ, YEMEN (HT): Forces aligned with Yemen’s internationally recognised government have launched an offensive to capture the mountainous al-Waziiya district from the Houthis.
Government forces claimed they had secured strategic hills overlooking al-Mansoura and forced Houthi fighters to withdraw. The Houthis disputed that account, saying they had repelled the offensive. Neither battlefield claim has been independently verified.
Al-Waziiya is considered important for any attempt to retake Mocha and areas near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a major shipping passage between Yemen and the Horn of Africa.
Saudi authorities separately said attacks on airports in Jazan and Najran injured three people and caused material damage. The Houthis said they had targeted airports and military positions in southern Saudi Arabia. aljazeera.com
