Yemeni forces clash with Houthis near Saudi border

Yemeni government forces engaged in combat with Houthi fighters near the Saudi border, according to footage captured by AFP. The battle took place in the Al-Jawf area, and Houthi authorities released their own footage depicting the conflict. The Houthi group claimed to have shot down a Saudi fighter jet, presenting a video purporting to be evidence of the incident.

The Yemeni government's Fifth Brigade, led by Waleed Al-Mahajeri, reported that their forces are advancing towards Houthi positions with the aim of reaching them. The government forces displayed the use of heavy weaponry, including machine guns, artillery, and rocket-propelled grenades, in their offensive. Houthi fighters were shown retreating across various fronts, and government soldiers stated that they had liberated Al-Masariya Hill and Al-Labanat camp.

The fighting resumed in Yemen in July after a period of relative calm since 2022, with the Houthis achieving significant advances, including the capture of the country's Red Sea coast and the Bab al-Mandab Strait. Saudi Arabia and the Yemeni government have been responding to the Houthi offensive, but their airstrikes have not been able to reverse their gains.