Yemeni government forces say they took the Huwayshian range east of Houthi-held Al-Hazm, a position local media say could disrupt Houthi supply routes in Al-Jawf, Anadolu reported Saturday.
Anadolu’s correspondent described a two-stage advance: troops took some sections during clashes Friday, then secured the rest Saturday. Al-Jawf field commander Col. Rabie al-Qurashi told Anadolu that government troops clashed with Houthi forces as they advanced. Al-Qurashi said aircraft destroyed dozens of Houthi vehicles, and troops were still carrying out the operation.
Al-Hazm remains under Houthi control. Al-Qurashi called the range the city’s “first line of defense.” Local Yemeni media, cited by Anadolu, said holding the high ground could help government forces disrupt Houthi supply routes. The range also overlooks Houthi positions near Al-Hazm, the agency reported.
Anadolu described Al-Jawf as strategically important because of its location and divided control. The province shares boundaries with Saudi Arabia and with Hadramout and Marib, two oil-producing provinces held by the government. Houthi control also extends to nearby Saada, Amran and Sanaa. The Houthis retain Al-Hazm and other areas; government forces hold separate parts of the province. Anadolu said government and Houthi forces are still vying for key ground in Al-Jawf.
The agency placed the advance amid wider fighting. In recent weeks, Saudi-led coalition-backed government forces have conducted operations against Houthi positions in Taiz and elsewhere, Anadolu reported. Anadolu also described renewed fighting between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia, with each side reporting military activity in Yemen and the wider region.
