**Yemeni Forces Claim Success in Repelling Houthi Attack Amid Rising Tensions**
*Taiz, Yemen – August 13, 2026* – Yemeni government forces have reported successfully repelling a Houthi attack on military positions located along the al-Mafalis front, situated south of Haifan in the southeastern region of Taiz province. This development comes amid a notable increase in military activity and hostilities across several governorates in Yemen.
On Thursday, an official from the Tor al-Bahah military axis, which operates under the Yemeni government, announced that the 4th Infantry Hashd Brigade had thwarted the Houthi offensive. The official claimed that the Houthi forces, referred to as "terrorist militias," suffered significant casualties during the encounter. The statement emphasized the commitment of government forces to counteract Houthi aggression and maintain control over strategic positions.
In a related effort, Waddah al-Dubeish, a spokesman for the government forces, reported that Yemeni air defenses engaged Houthi reconnaissance drones over the port city of al-Makha (also known as Mocha) in southwestern Yemen. This engagement highlights the ongoing aerial confrontations as both sides utilize drone technology in their military strategies.
The recent escalation in hostilities follows a series of military operations initiated by the Yemeni government. On Wednesday, government forces launched artillery strikes and drone attacks targeting Houthi positions across various fronts. State media reported that these strikes resulted in multiple casualties among Houthi fighters, particularly around the al-Fakhir market in the northern part of al-Dhalea Governorate.
Fayyad al-Numan, Yemen's deputy minister of information, confirmed that the government had intensified its military response, employing heavy artillery and drones to disrupt Houthi reinforcements and gatherings. This escalation reflects a broader strategy by the Yemeni government to assert military dominance and deter Houthi advances.
Rashad al-Alimi, the head of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council, addressed the situation, stating that any Houthi actions would now be met with a decisive response. Al-Alimi expressed a clear stance against pursuing new truces that might replicate past failures, advocating instead for a sustainable peace that ensures the Yemeni state retains a monopoly on the use of force.
Despite a period of relative calm since April 2022, the conflict has reignited, with clashes between government forces and the Houthis intensifying since early July. The resurgence of violence has resulted in numerous casualties on both sides, raising concerns about the humanitarian impact on civilians in the region.
The ongoing conflict in Yemen has drawn international attention, with various stakeholders calling for a resolution to the protracted war that has devastated the country. The Yemeni government continues to seek support for its military operations while navigating the complex dynamics of local and regional politics.
As the situation evolves, the Yemeni government remains firm in its commitment to counter Houthi aggression and restore stability in the region. The response from the Houthis and the potential for further military engagements will be closely monitored in the coming days.