1,150 Houthi Fighters Reported Killed in Yemeni Army Strikes Over 24 Hours
Yemeni government forces have launched a major counteroffensive against the Houthis around the Bab al-Mandab Strait, claiming over 1,150 Houthi fighters killed in 1,900 strikes in the last 24 hours while advancing on several fronts amid current wars in the world. The Yemeni army's Operation Dawn of Yemen has destroyed or disabled more than 180 vehicles and military assets. [1] Saudi Arabia is providing air support to the government forces in the operation to retake territory seized by the Houthis along Yemen's western coastline. [3]
Yemeni Government Counteroffensive Against Houthis
Yemeni military forces were advancing against the Houthis in areas around the Bab al-Mandab Strait, but had not yet secured control of the waterway, after the government launched an operation to capture lost territory. [3] The Saudi Arabia-backed government of Yemen last week announced a counteroffensive aimed at retaking all areas held by the Houthis after the pro-Iran group seized Yemen’s entire western coastline in a lightning offensive. [3] On Friday a Yemeni military source told reporters that its forces had launched a “major operation” in the strait region, supported by air power from Saudi Arabia. [3] Yemeni army says over 1,150 Houthi fighters killed in 1,900 strikes in last 24 hours. [1] Military spokesman says Operation Dawn of Yemen also destroys or disables more than 180 vehicles and military assets as government forces advance on several fronts. [1]
Houthi Response and Claims
The Houthis confirmed that government forces had attacked in the Bab al-Mandab area, but they said they had repelled the assault. [3] “Saudi-led forces attempted to advance from the Ras al-Ara area in Lahj governorate towards the area south of Bab al-Mandab,” said Hizam al-Asad, a member of the Houthis’ political bureau. [3] “However, our forces repelled them outside the Bab al-Mandab zone, inflicting heavy losses in personnel and equipment, and forcing the survivors to retreat.” [3] A Houthi soldier stands guard in Sana’a on Friday. [3]
Yemeni government forces advance against Houthis near Bab al-Mandab Strait during counteroffensive. — Source: anadolu
Israeli Operations and Incidents in the West Bank
Israeli occupiers abduct 7 Palestinians, injure 3 during olive harvest in West Bank. [2] Attacks reported across Bethlehem, Nablus, Tulkarm and Ramallah as Palestinian farmers face assaults, crop theft and restrictions on access to their land. [2] Israeli forces have abducted 7 Palestinians and injured 3 during olive harvest operations across the West Bank in areas including Bethlehem, Nablus, Tulkarm and Ramallah. [2]
Israeli Military Fatigue and Casualties
Fatigue, 'carelessness' causing deaths, injuries among Israeli forces in Gaza and Lebanon. [4] Recent incidents resulting in deaths and injuries of Israeli soldiers in Lebanon and Gaza are raising concerns within the Israeli military establishment. [4] The Israeli army is concerned by both 'internal' and external threats to its forces in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria. [4] A series of recent incidents resulting in deaths or injuries among Israeli soldiers, particularly those deployed in Lebanon and Gaza, have raised alarm in Israel. [4] Authorities in Israel are concerned that the prolonged deployment of soldiers and their routines may be eroding attentiveness and adherence to safety procedures. [4] These concerns have been heightened by the deaths of three Israeli soldiers over a two-week period in what have been described as incidents involving safety and security procedures. [4] The incidents occurred in northern Gaza and in the Litani River area of Lebanon. [4] The latest incident resulted in the death of an officer and the injury of three soldiers when a military Humvee overturned in the Litani area on Thursday. [4] On Friday, Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reported warnings from officials within Israel’s security establishment that prolonged deployment along “defensive lines” exposes troops to threats from “hostile parties” and weakens their level of vigilance. [4] The series of serious incidents in the military has raised deep concern among senior military commanders about complacency and declining operational readiness among troops deployed in the field. [4] The Hebrew-language report also noted that the Israeli army has been operating on all fronts for a considerable period in what it calls a state of “offensive defence”. [4] The widespread deployment of troops along border lines without effective manoeuvring creates an exhausting routine which, the newspaper said, contributes to serious safety incidents. [4] Meanwhile, the military leadership recognises the complexity of the situation under the current “routine” along the “defensive lines", in the absence of offensive initiative. [4] This situation could result in troops being injured or killed in a wide range of scenarios, from road accidents and training incidents to the erosion of security measures along the “yellow lines” in Gaza and Lebanon, turning these positions into stationary targets for attacks. [4] Added to this are security incidents inside Syrian territory, where occupying Israeli forces continue their attacks on the population and the surrounding areas. [4] Faced with threats from Hamas, Hezbollah, and other parties, as well as internal risks stemming from declining vigilance, some within the military establishment are suggesting stricter measures. [4] According to operational plans, the Israeli military is expected to gradually reduce the size of its forces in the “security buffer zones” and shift towards controlling these areas with smaller units while establishing effective security protocols. [4]
Yemeni government forces advance against Houthi fighters near the Bab al-Mandab Strait. — Source: thenewarab
Civilian Returns from Russian-Occupied Ukraine
Another 16 Ukrainians have managed to return from Russian-occupied territories. [5] Among them is a woman whose health issues prevented her from making the journey alone and a 1986 Chornobyl disaster first responder. [5] Sixteen more Ukrainians have managed to leave the Russian occupation for Ukrainian-controlled territory. [5] Among those evacuated is a woman who had spent a long time living alone under occupation despite her health problems and limited mobility. [5] She couldn't make the journey back on her own, so special transport, a medical escort and a safe route were arranged for her. [5] Everything had to be organised discreetly to avoid attracting Russian attention and putting her in even greater danger. [5] A man who had served as a first responder during the Chornobyl nuclear disaster and was living in Luhansk Oblast with his seriously ill wife also managed to reunite with his family. [5] His wife had suffered a massive stroke in April and needed constant care. [5] Her husband had health problems of his own and could no longer look after her properly. [5] An urgent evacuation to Kyiv, where their daughter was waiting for them, was arranged for the married couple. [5] But the woman died before they could leave, and her husband had to make the journey out of the occupied territory alone. [5] Lubinets said: "The return of 16 Ukrainians from the temporarily occupied territories represents 16 different stories, circumstances and journeys to safety. For some, the journey home was a chance to finally receive medical care; for others, it was a chance to reunite with their loved ones. Every such return requires an individual approach, careful preparation and coordination among many people." [5] He added that Ukrainians returning from the temporarily occupied territories face numerous challenges as they try to rebuild their lives in safety. [5] They are provided with medical treatment, help restoring their documents and finding temporary accommodation, assistance with travel arrangements, psychological support and help reuniting with their loved ones. [5] The evacuation took place through the Novi Yarylovychi border crossing point with Belarus in Chernihiv Oblast. [5]
Current Wars in the World Context
Fatigue and carelessness from prolonged deployments are causing deaths and injuries among Israeli soldiers in Gaza and Lebanon, including a recent Humvee overturning that killed an officer and injured three soldiers. [4] Houthis claim they repelled the assault from Ras al-Ara in Lahj governorate, inflicting heavy losses on government forces. [3] The return of 16 Ukrainians from the temporarily occupied territories represents 16 different stories, circumstances and journeys to safety. [5]
What to watch next: Yemeni forces continue advances supported by Saudi air power while Houthis maintain defensive positions around Bab al-Mandab, Israeli troops face ongoing fatigue risks along defensive lines in Gaza and Lebanon, and further evacuations of civilians from Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories remain possible through coordinated routes.
