Yemen troops take new district in Baydha

Troops loyal to the internationally-recognised president of Yemen, backed by air strikes by Saudi-led coalition fighter jets, stormed a new district in central Baydha, building on fresh gains in the current offensive in the province, the Defence Ministry said on Sunday.

Loyalists have announced taking control of Al Markouz mountain, Al Houthi’s last territory in Natea district and rolling into a new area in Al Malajem district after killing and capturing dozens of militants.

After months of military stalemate in Baydha, government forces and military advisers from the coalition thrust into Baydha in December after expelling Al Houthis from Bayhan town, their last strip of territory in the neighbouring province of Shabwa and a major smuggling route.

Government forces’ recent incursion into Bayhda has shored up local tribesmen who have been battling the Iran-backed militants in some parts of the province.

The Defence Ministry said the coalition’s fighter jets carried out dozens of air sorties, hitting Al Houthi gatherings and military equipment.

Meanwhile, in the northern province of Sa’ada, Al Houthi’s heavily-fortified bastion, government forces seized control of Bouqa market, parts of Al Ouleb mountain and large areas in Bouqa district north of Saada.

Quoting local army commanders, the Defence Ministry said that government forces attacked Al Houthi militants in Bouqa, forcing them to flee.

They left behind a stash of arms, including AT-3 Sagger anti-tank guided missiles and ammunition.

By expelling Al Houthis from Bouqa and parts of neighbouring Jawf province government forces have effectively pushed deeper into Sa’ada and cut the militants’ main supply lines in and out of the province.