Houthi Forces Expand Control in Taiz and Block Red Sea Coast Assault

Houthi fighters reportedly completed their takeover of Jabal Habashi district in Taiz province on October 9, pushing out Saudi-backed forces. Clashes continued in nearby mountain areas, and Houthi sources said they entered al-Misrakh before government-aligned forces claimed to retake it. On the western coast, a Houthi military spokesman said an attempted advance by Saudi-backed forces toward Bab al-Mandeb was repelled with missiles, artillery, and heavy weapons.

On October 9, Houthi forces reportedly finished seizing Taiz’s Jabal Habashi district, displacing Saudi-backed units. Fighting persisted in nearby highlands, with government-aligned reports of Saudi strikes. Houthis entered al-Misrakh, though opposing forces said they soon recaptured it. Clashes also occurred around al-Shariq, Wadi al-Ahmar, Wadi Hinna and al-Nawazil.

The group reportedly encircled Taiz city and cut its routes, including the western approach. Talks with Islah over a handover reportedly stalled over weapons and detainees. On the coast, a Houthi spokesman said a second Lahj-based push toward Bab al-Mandeb’s southern approaches was repelled with missiles, artillery and heavy arms. A Southern Giants source acknowledged limited gains and called the attack a failure.