Yemeni government in military and diplomatic push to reverse Houthi gains

The Yemeni government suffered a significant blow earlier this month when it lost the country’s Red Sea coast to the Houthi rebels. It is now working on a two-pronged strategy, militarily and diplomatically, to restore the initiative and prevent the Houthis from consolidating their gains and pushing further into government-held territory.Saudi-backed government forces claimed on Tuesday to have seized the strategic Mount Qarafan in southern Taiz’s al-Shamayatayn district.

The military reported killing five Iranian-allied Houthi fighters and injuring 20 others during the operation.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3How much is UK supporting Saudi Arabia in its war with Iran-backed Houthis?list 2 of 3Despite flurry of New York diplomacy, US-Iran deal remains elusivelist 3 of 3Yemen government forces claim control of Mount Qarfan in Taizend of listPro-government Homeland Shield Forces, also known as the Quwat Dira’ al-Watan in Arabic, also thwarted a Houthi infiltration attempt on the Kahboub front, which overlooks the strategic Bab al-Mandeb strait. Government forces also reported the capture of Mount Zalat, near Kahboub, on Tuesday.The battles in the mountainous regions of southwestern Yemen are critical because of the commanding positions the peaks being fought over provide.

First reported by Al Jazeera English.