Chairman of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council Rashad al-Alimi announced on Sunday that government forces had been ordered to begin operations aimed at restoring state authority across the country. He said the campaign would continue until territory held by the Houthis was recovered. The announcement followed a sharp escalation around Taiz, where Houthi forces have made gains and threatened important routes connecting the city with government-held areas. Government-aligned forces and a Saudi-led coalition have also reported intensified operations against Houthi positions. Reports have also emerged claiming that Houthi forces took control of a residence associated with al-Alimi after government forces withdrew from al-Aloum and other areas of Taiz Governorate. The claim was reported by local media but has not been independently confirmed. The Houthis, meanwhile, said they had launched ballistic missiles and drones against Saudi Aramco facilities in Riyadh and the Khurais area. Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree claimed the attacks caused fires at the targeted locations. Saudi authorities and Aramco had not immediately confirmed the claims. New Provinces Bilawal says Pakistan should focus on governance and development Smoke and flames were seen near an Aramco facility south of Riyadh, according to Reuters and AFP reports, although the cause of the fire had not been independently established. The Houthis said the attacks were carried out in response to Saudi-led military operations in Yemen. The group also threatened further attacks on Saudi targets while calling for an end to what it described as a blockade of Yemen. Saudi Arabia has backed Yemen’s internationally recognised government in its fight against the Houthis. The renewed fighting follows the collapse of a fragile 2022 truce and comes amid a broader escalation involving Iran and regional actors. The conflict has also raised concerns over shipping through the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb, one of the world’s key maritime routes. Houthi advances in recent weeks have increased pressure on government forces and raised the risk of a wider regional escalation. Al-Alimi has called for international support for the government’s campaign, while Saudi Arabia has pledged continued backing. The renewed offensive marks a significant escalation in Yemen’s long-running conflict, with fighting now intensifying around Taiz and other strategic areas. Post navigation Ali al-Amoudi: Israeli assessments suggest assassination attempt in Gaza failed
