The head of the Command Council of the Presidency of Yemen, Rashad Al-Alimi, announced the start of a new military operation to restore areas controlled by the Houthis, hours after the group tightened the siege on the city of Taiz.

The announcement came after the advance of the Houthi field that included the Red Sea coast and the Bab al-Mandab area, while sources reported that the Taiz-Aden road was cut off and the Houthis entered the city of al-Turba. Sources on both sides reported that the fighting resulted in the deaths of more than 70 people in 24 hours, amid escalating clashes in Taiz and Lahj.