Yemeni forces claim Mount Qarafan capture, killing five Houthi fighters

September 23, 2026 at 09:21 PM2 min

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Yemeni government forces claimed on Tuesday to have seized Mount Qarafan in Taiz, killing five Houthi fighters and wounding 20. The operation is part of a military and diplomatic push to reverse Houthi gains after the loss of the Red Sea coast. The fighting has displaced 132,000 people, including 75,000 in Taiz, according to the International Organization for Migration.

Key Facts

Yemeni government forces claimed on Tuesday to have seized Mount Qarafan in southern Taiz's al-Shamayatayn district.
The military reported killing five Houthi fighters and injuring 20 others during the operation.
Pro-government Homeland Shield Forces thwarted a Houthi infiltration attempt on the Kahboub front, which overlooks the Bab al-Mandeb strait.
Recent hostilities have displaced approximately 132,000 people, including 75,000 in Taiz alone, according to the International Organization for Migration.
Presidential Leadership Council member Abdullah al-Alimi is leading Yemen's delegation at the UN General Assembly and will address the assembly later this week.

Military Operations

Saudi-backed government forces claimed on Tuesday to have seized the strategic Mount Qarafan in southern Taiz's al-Shamayatayn district. The military reported killing five Iranian-allied Houthi fighters and injuring 20 others during the operation. Pro-government Homeland Shield Forces, also known as the Quwat Dira' al-Watan in Arabic, thwarted a Houthi infiltration attempt on the Kahboub front, which overlooks the strategic Bab al-Mandeb strait. Government forces also reported the capture of Mount Zalat, near Kahboub, on Tuesday.

Strategic Significance

Qarafan overlooks valleys linking southern Taiz with western coastal areas, as the Houthis attempt to encircle government-held areas in the governorate. Kahboub is significant because Houthi forces have been attempting to secure the high ground overlooking Bab al-Mandab to prevent a government counterattack and expand the territory under their control. The Houthis have claimed Saudi Arabia conducted air strikes in Taiz, al-Jawf, and Marib, but Riyadh has not confirmed the strikes.

Diplomatic Push

At the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Yemeni government officials are attempting to rally support for their push against the Houthis. Presidential Leadership Council member Abdullah al-Alimi is leading Yemen's delegation and will address the General Assembly later this week, but has already met US politicians. Foreign Minister Afrah al-Zouba is also attending the world gathering and called for the disarmament of non-state armed groups at a meeting on the General Assembly's sidelines. Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani addressed the assembly, reaffirming support for UN efforts to reach a comprehensive political resolution.