Yemen Conflict: Government Forces Retake Key Heights in Al-Jawf
New operations target strategic mountain ranges east of the provincial capital, aiming to disrupt Houthi supply lines and tighten control over the northern front.
By Jonathan Hoffmann ·
Government forces in Yemen have seized control of a key mountain range east of the city of Al-Hazm.
The offensive is part of Operation Dawn of Yemen, a campaign launched last month to reverse Houthi territorial gains. The operation targets the strategic heights near the provincial capital in the Al-Jawf governorate. Colonel Rabie Al-Qurashi, the field commander, stated that his troops have taken complete control of the Huwaishan mountain range.
Al-Qurashi described the range as the first line of defense for the Houthis in the eastern axis. He noted that holding this rugged terrain allows government forces to disrupt rebel supply routes. He added that the advance has broken a defensive format with partial control over the Al-Alam front road. This road leads to the upper al-Labanat camp, which serves as an eastern gateway to Sanaa, the Houthi-controlled capital.
Analysts say the terrain provides tactical advantages. Ali Al-Dahab, a military researcher, called the recent advances a military transformation. He stated that recovering these heights gives government forces a morale advantage and confuses Houthi decision-making. The elevated positions allow for better monitoring of Houthi supply lines while securing government movement.
Majed Abdullah Al-Nuzaili, a military spokesman, said on X that the operations are inflicting losses on Houthi capabilities. Brigadier General Ahmed Al-Awadhi, a security researcher, emphasized the importance of continuous advances in the desert terrain. He noted that control over mountain ranges in Al-Jawf represents military strength regardless of their distance from the capital.
The government dominates the Khabb wa ash Sha’af district, which covers 82 percent of the governorate's area. The Houthis currently hold Al-Hazm and ten other districts. The Presidential Council recently appointed Major General Amin Ali Al-Akimi as governor and military commander of Al-Jawf. Ibrahim Jalal, a Yemen-focused analyst, said Al-Akimi's tribal background may help mobilize local support and unify the front.
Fighting has expanded across the country. Houthi-affiliated media reported air strikes on an oil facility in the Bajil district of Hodeidah. Government forces repelled attacks in Al-Aqroudh and the Tur al-Baha front in Lahij governorate. Intense fighting continues in Taiz, where the siege has strained medical infrastructure. Governor Nabil Shamsan said hospitals are operating at only 20 percent capacity, with 120 health centers shut down. He urged the international community to secure a safe route between Taiz and Aden.
More than 300,000 people have fled their homes in western Yemen due to the escalating conflict.
