The Saudi-backed forces fighting on behalf of exiled Yemeni President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi yesterday carried out a counter-offensive in the northern Al-Jawf province in an attempt to reverse recent gains made by the joint-forces of the Yemeni army and the Houthi movement. EDNews reports citing Bulgarian Military News.
Supported by Saudi air-power, Hadi’s troops have reportedly retaken the Khub and Sha’af districts and, in the process, opened a road linking the areas with the Islah-stronghold province of Marib.
Last week saw Houthi forces seize key areas of the province, including its capital, Al-Hazm city, ending five years under the control of Hadi’s fighters.
The province is said to be oil-rich and shares a border with Saudi Arabia. It is expected that th eHouthi-Army forces will attempt to continue their advances onto neighbouring Marib which would effectively end Hadi’s – and therefore Saudi’s -efforts on the ground.
AP reported that the battles over the last two days have claimed the lives of at least 35 fighters from both sides and wounded dozens of others. Houthi sources claimed the Saudi-led coalition carried out at least 18 airstrikes on the recently captured areas in a bid to help the counter-offensive.