In a surge of violence,Houthi rebels killed 16 soldiers from Yemen's government forces in Hodeidah governorate . Fiercest clashes in recent years. Fighting erupted late Friday in Jabal Dabbas area,where pro-government troops were engaged defensively,officials and medical sources said.
Walid al-Qudaimi,a minister of state with Yemen's internationally recognized government,reported fatalities Saturday. He stressed troops were “defending their land and dignity” during intense confrontation . Medical staff confirmed hospitals along Red Sea coast treated 16 dead,reported 22 injuries among government forces.
An officer from government-aligned forces called it deadliest Houthi attack in years. Houthis initially seized some positions before a counteroffensive helped government troops reclaim control by dawn Saturday. The officer,asking anonymity,said Houthis used snipers for many casualties,alongside drones and mortars targeting positions.
Another military official noted clashes lasted hours,with pro-government forces repelling Houthi advance. Though he admitted Houthis also suffered losses,he didn't provide their casualty figures.
Houthis have battled Yemen's internationally recognized government since 2015,controlling capital Sanaa and big chunks of northern Yemen,including Hodeidah. Meanwhile,government based in Aden holds large areas in south. Despite a UN-brokered truce in 2022 that froze front lines,sporadic violence continues. Latest clashes come amid Houthi threats to airports and strategic facilities in Saudi Arabia,which backs Yemeni government…
