Houthis cut main route from Taiz to Aden, effectively encircling city

Blockade of a strategic hub

Houthi armed formations continue their active offensive in southern Yemen, reaching a critical point: they have effectively encircled the city of Taiz. It has emerged that militants have severed the main road connecting the city with Aden.

Confirmation from sources

Information about the change in the situation on the ground was confirmed by sources in Yemen's security services and army, cited by the AFP agency. Meanwhile, Reuters also records significant advances by Houthi forces in this region. According to AFP's interlocutors, the turning point came precisely after Houthi forces blocked the main route from Taiz to Aden.

Strategic significance of Taiz

Until recently, Taiz remained one of three major cities in Yemen controlled by government forces supported by Saudi Arabia. Apart from Taiz, only Aden and Al-Mukalla were under the control of the country's government.

Taiz is the country's third-largest city, with a population of approximately one million residents. If Taiz falls, the Houthis will gain access to Aden — Yemen's largest port.