Toll from Yemen clashes passes 300 as civilians flee homes

The death toll from recent clashes in southwest Yemen has surpassed 300, as hundreds of civilians flee their homes, according to reports. Two military officials with government forces confirmed 84 of their troops were killed in missile attacks, while four Houthi sources reported 57 rebel fighters were killed during midday Saturday to early Sunday morning.

The fighting has been ongoing for days over control of a strategic gateway to the Red Sea, marking the deadliest flare-up in Yemen since a ceasefire collapsed in July 2022.

Families displaced by the violence have sought refuge in camps, setting up shelter with limited belongings. Displaced woman Rawdhah Hasan recounted the harrowing experience, describing how the rebels surrounded them from all directions as they fled without even putting on shoes. The Houthis launched an offensive on Thursday, aiming to cut off the government-held port city of Mokha and advance towards areas bordering the Bab al-Mandab strait. They reportedly succeeded in cutting off the road linking Taiz to Mokha on Saturday evening.

The UN agency for humanitarian coordination estimated that 1,790 households were displaced by the intense shelling and clashes in the Maqbanah and Jabal Habashi districts. The UN chief's spokesman expressed deep concern over the military clashes, warning of devastating political, economic, and security ramifications for Yemen and its people.

Experts note that the Houthis are exploiting a weak front line at Mokha to cut ties between Taiz and Bab al-Mandab and Mokha, potentially leading to a full takeover of the strategic Bab al-Mandab chokepoint.