The Yemeni state news agency, Saba, reported on Saturday that government forces have gained control of the Samaa fortress in Taiz province, located in the southwestern part of the country. The announcement followed a series of violent confrontations between the Yemeni military and armed members of the Houthi movement.
According to a military source cited by the agency, the operation was conducted by the Armed Forces supported by the Popular Resistance. The source stated that these combined units managed to take over the fortress after engaging in fierce combat with Houthi militias. The engagement resulted in the death and injury of dozens of militia elements, while others fled the scene.
The capture of Samaa is considered a significant tactical development. It represents a step toward controlling all routes leading into Taiz city. Furthermore, securing this position cuts off potential paths for Houthi forces to flank their opponents, thereby helping to stabilize government defense lines in the region.
Earlier on Saturday, the Yemeni army announced the outbreak of intense clashes with the Houthi group across multiple fronts in Taiz. These ground operations coincided with aerial strikes targeting positions and reinforcements belonging to the group.
Majid Al-Nazili, the military spokesperson for the government forces, confirmed that 71 targeting operations were carried out against Houthi concentrations, mobilizations, and reinforcements in various areas within Taiz province. He added that these strikes led to the destruction of enemy transport and support equipment, neutralized militia elements, and deprived their formations of the ability to continue fighting. Al-Nazili did not specify the number of casualties or injuries resulting from these specific airstrikes.
In a separate development, the media center of the Yemeni Army issued a statement regarding air defenses. The statement claimed that air defense systems shot down four drones belonging to what it described as the Houthi militia in the Al-Shahla front, located east of Al-Jawf province in the north. The army praised the vigilance and constant readiness of its soldiers to counter any hostile threats.
No immediate comment was issued by the Houthis regarding the loss of the Samaa fortress or the alleged downing of the four drones.
These military developments are part of a broader escalation that began in July of last year. This current phase of conflict is described as the most extensive since a period of relative calm followed the truce agreed upon in April 2022.
