The Iran‑backed Houthi rebels captured the town of Turbah in southwestern Yemen on Sunday, a move that undermined Saudi‑backed government forces as they advanced toward the provincial capital of Taiz. Turbah lies on a main road linking Taiz to the port city of Aden, which serves as the interim seat of Yemen’s internationally recognised government. The town has historically been a key post for government forces defending Taiz against the Houthis.
The seizure follows a series of Houthi gains on the western coast of the Red Sea in early September, including the capture of Mokha and several islands. Those victories gave the rebels control of the Yemeni side of the Bab al‑Mandab Strait, a vital chokepoint through which 12 % of global trade passes. The government announced a major military operation against the Houthis shortly after Turbah fell, and the Saudi‑led coalition has mobilised troops across government‑held areas.
Rashad al‑Alimi, head of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council, said the operations aim to recover territories held by the Houthis and called on the international community for support. Saudi Arabia’s Maj‑Gen Turki al‑Malki pledged “full operational support” for Yemeni forces and vowed to eliminate the Houthis, stressing the kingdom’s right to take all necessary measures against rebel missile and drone attacks.
The latest flare‑up has intensified a conflict that began in 2014, killing more than 150 000 people and creating one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. The United Nations reports that the current escalation has killed over 800 people, wounded more than 3 600, and displaced more than 145 000 Yemenis, with over 3 000 refugees crossing into Djibouti.
