Fierce Clashes in Yemen’s Hodeidah Leave Dozens Dead

Fifteen soldiers from Yemen’s government forces and dozens of Houthi militia members were killed during intense clashes in the southern part of Hodeidah province, which borders the Red Sea. These confrontations represent the fiercest fighting between the two sides since the UN ceasefire was declared in 2022.

Military sources in Yemen told "Erem News" that the Houthi militia launched a large-scale assault on military positions held by units of the Second Brigade "Zaraniq," which operates under the First Division of the "National Resistance" on the frontlines in the Hays district, located south of Hodeidah.

The sources added that the Second Brigade forces repelled the Houthi attack, sparking violent clashes that lasted several hours over Friday and Saturday. Various types of weapons were used, resulting in dozens of casualties and injuries on both sides.

Local media reported that the Houthis escalated their field operations targeting the mountainous heights of "Dabbas" in the Hays district. The attack was a surprise offensive supported by heavy artillery shelling aimed at government forces’ positions.

Government forces reportedly regained control of the positions initially seized by Houthi fighters after reinforcements from the "National Resistance" arrived. This compelled the militia to withdraw with significant losses in personnel and equipment.

Yemen’s Minister of State and Deputy Governor of Hodeidah, Walid Al-Qadimi, stated that the fighting resulted in the deaths of 15 soldiers from the Tihama forces. He described the confrontation as heroic, inflicting over 50 fatalities and dozens of injuries on the terrorist militia.

In a post on the "X" platform, Al-Qadimi emphasized that the repeated Houthi attacks on the coastal front are deliberate, as the militia recognizes that these positions form a strong barrier preventing their advance into southern Hodeidah.

Recently, the Houthi militia has intensified its military offensives against government-aligned forces along Yemen’s western coast bordering the Red Sea. This escalation has been accompanied by continuous mobilization of fighters and military equipment in an effort to break through and reclaim areas in Hodeidah province that remain outside their control.