The Houthis are reported to have seized an area of the strategically important Sabir mountain near the city of Taiz in south-western Yemen. The whole of Taiz can be watched from the mountain. A stronger Houthi position there could put the city’s security, and the military position of Yemen’s internationally recognised government, under heavy pressure.
Al Jazeera’s correspondent Yousef Mawry reported from Sanaa that Saudi air strikes are continuing in order to halt the Houthi advance around Taiz. The Houthis have stepped up military activity with the aim of getting close to the city.
Fighting around Bab al-Mandeb too
The Houthis have already taken control of the city of Mocha and of Dhubab district near the Bab al-Mandeb strait. Fighting in that area is still going on, however. With Saudi air support, the forces of the internationally recognised government have made some gains around Dhubab and the strait. The fight for control of this strategically important waterway is another important side of Yemen’s continuing war.
Why Sabir mountain matters
Sabir mountain, east of Mocha and towards Taiz, is of great military importance because of its position. A wide area of Taiz can be observed from the top. Establishing control there could make it easier to advance on the city or to put pressure on opposing positions.
Many fear that if all the important districts of the mountain area pass into Houthi control, the way to capturing Taiz could become much easier. Losing the city would be a major military and political blow to the internationally recognised government.
No conclusive information has been given, however, that the whole of Sabir mountain has passed into Houthi control or that the fall of Taiz to them is imminent. What happens next will depend on the fighting and on changes in the military positions of both sides.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report