Aden (South24 Center)

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The Southern Giants Brigades said on Saturday (September 26) that they had halted Houthi attempts to advance toward Kahboub and Al-Mudaribah in Lahj Governorate, following two weeks of fighting near the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

In a statement, the brigades said they had repelled successive attacks despite substantial Houthi reinforcements. They added that they had destroyed the group’s assault units and retaken positions Houthi fighters had seized before the Giants reinforced the front.

The announcement followed renewed clashes in Kahboub, Al-Aghabarah, Al-Mansoura and Al-Mudaribah. Sources told South24 on Thursday (September 24) that southern forces and tribal fighters had secured Jabal Al-Bazla and nearby positions between the Al-Subaiha area of Lahj and Al-Wazi’iyah District in Taiz.

According to the sources, four tribal fighters were killed and three wounded during the operation. They also reported Houthi mortar fire on civilian areas in Al-Ruwais and Al-Bukrah in Al-Mudaribah District.

The Yemeni government announced on Friday that fighters from the Sixth Nation Shield Brigade, the Southern Giants Brigades and the local resistance had captured the summit of Jabal Numan and the Dar Al-Kafir hilltop, two positions overlooking Al-Wazi’iyah.

The fighting also spread to fronts in western Taiz. The Taiz military command’s media centre reported strikes on Houthi positions in Al-Kadhah and other areas.

Forces fighting the Houthis published footage showing strikes on vehicles and positions around Kahboub.

Residents of Al-Subaiha called on the Yemeni Red Crescent, the International Committee of the Red Cross and health authorities to help recover bodies from areas of fighting. They warned of health and environmental risks if the remains were left exposed.

Meanwhile, the Houthis announced the reopening of the road between Taiz and Al-Hodeidah and the coastal road after an 11-year closure. Their military spokesperson accused Saudi Arabia of carrying out airstrikes and missile strikes in several governorates.

In a statement issued on September 18, members of the UN Security Council condemned Houthi attacks affecting civilian facilities and energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia. They called on the group to end its military escalation and attacks affecting civilians in Yemen.

Council members warned that Houthi advances near Bab al-Mandab and threats to Red Sea shipping could widen the conflict and undermine maritime security and peace efforts.

The latest fighting follows the Houthis’ advance along Yemen’s western coast and their capture of Al-Mokha and the southern island of Mayun, which lies in the middle of the strait.