At least 81 killed in Yemen clashes between Houthis and government forces

September 4, 2026 at 06:11 PM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

At least 81 fighters have been killed since Thursday in clashes between Houthi forces and Yemen's internationally recognized government in Taiz province and Red Sea coastal areas. Government forces said they recaptured some territory lost in the Houthi offensive, while both sides sent reinforcements to the front.

Key Facts

At least 81 fighters were killed from Thursday in clashes in Taiz province and Red Sea coastal areas, according to AFP citing military and medical sources.
Government forces reported 39 of their troops killed, while medical sources in Houthi-controlled areas reported 42 Houthi fighters killed.
Yemeni government forces recaptured al-Khazan and al-Makahna hills in Jabal Habashi district west of Taiz city, according to a Friday statement.
A Houthi source told Al Jazeera that more than 100 fighters from both sides have been killed since the offensive began on Thursday.
The Houthi offensive targeted the road connecting Taiz to the Red Sea port of Al-Mokha, used for transporting food and supplies to government-held forces.

The Offensive

On Thursday, Houthi forces launched an offensive on western fronts of Taiz province using missiles and drones, followed by ground attacks. The heaviest fighting since 2022 unfolded in the areas of Maqbana, Mauzaa, and Jabal Habashi. Houthi forces advanced on several fronts, but government forces later recaptured some lost territory and shot down three drones. Both sides are sending additional units and military equipment to the combat zone.

Casualties and Territorial Gains

Government forces reported 39 of their troops killed, while medical sources in Houthi-controlled areas reported 42 Houthi fighters killed. A Yemeni military official told Al Jazeera that 24 government troops were killed near the west coast, and another official reported 15 more killed in Taiz. Yemeni government forces recaptured al-Khazan and al-Makahna hills in Jabal Habashi district west of Taiz city, according to a Friday statement. A Houthi source told Al Jazeera that more than 100 fighters from both sides have been killed since the offensive began on Thursday.

Strategic Road and Red Sea

According to government forces, one goal of the offensive was the road connecting Taiz to the Red Sea port of Al-Mokha. The route is used for transporting food and other goods, as well as supplying government-aligned formations. The Al-Mokha area hosts National Resistance forces under the command of Tariq Saleh, nephew of former Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh. A Houthi representative told Al Jazeera that the military operations aim to 'break the blockade of Yemen,' primarily at sea.