Houthis Seal Off Taiz as Death Toll Rises Above 60 in 24 Hours

Houthis have sealed off the city of Taiz, driving the death toll past 60 in the last 24 hours, military sources said on Monday. The internationally recognised, Saudi‑backed government, which still holds parts of the city, says the Houthis blocked all exits and launched several attacks overnight. The same source reports 22 pro‑government fighters were killed in the night. Houthi‑linked sources admit at least 40 of their own fighters died and say reinforcements are on the way. Despite ongoing Saudi airstrikes, the Houthis continue fighting across Taiz governorate. On Sunday, Yemen’s Health Ministry warned that a humanitarian catastrophe is looming as medicines, medical equipment and fuel are on the verge of exhaustion. Taiz lies inland from the Red Sea coast and the Bab al‑Mandab strait, an area the Houthis captured in a rapid offensive last month. The siege has cut supply routes, worsening the shortage of essential supplies. Both sides confirm the fighting intensified overnight, with the city caught in a tightening grip that threatens civilians already facing scarce resources.

Context

The siege reflects the broader pattern of the Houthis tightening control over strategic inland cities after their recent gains near the Bab al‑Mandab, while the Saudi‑backed government struggles to keep supply lines open.