Houthis seek to control strategic Kahboub mountain range near Yemen's Taiz

The Iran-backed Houthi rebels are contending with Yemen's government forces for control of the strategic Kahboub mountain range in the southwestern part of the country. Control of this region, which spans the provinces of Taiz and Lahj, would provide the Houthis with a significant tactical advantage due to the high ground offering a view of key areas including the Bab Al Mandeb strait and Dhubab, both recently seized by the group in a swift offensive along Yemen's western coast.

Yemeni risk analyst Mohammed Al Qadhi explained that "the rugged terrain of the mountains makes it challenging for any advancing forces," emphasizing that the rebels are "constantly striving to reclaim these mountains to safeguard their flanks in the event of further defensive battles."

The Houthi capture of the mountains in 2015 followed their seizure of the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, a year prior. However, they were subsequently defeated by pro-government forces, supported by a Saudi-led coalition on the Red Sea coast in 2017. Since the onset of renewed hostilities in Yemen, which has seen the most intense fighting since 2022, the Houthi push mirrors the previous attempt over a decade ago.

Analyst Ahmad Nagi from Crisis Group noted that while the rebels' current strategy resembles the earlier assault, they have refined their approach. "Rather than taking over expansive territories, they are focusing on securing their recently acquired areas before expanding into new, more exposed zones," Nagi stated.

Despite their recent gains, Nagi cautioned that the pace of the Houthi advance may slow, contingent on the response from government-aligned forces, the extent of Saudi air support, and the determination of the rebels to continue fighting despite substantial casualties. The possibility of more substantial backing from western allies remains uncertain.

Yemen's President, asking for military aid from US President Donald Trump, did not receive a direct pledge of assistance during their recent conversation, although Saudi Arabia has demonstrated interest in support after facing frequent Houthi drone and missile strikes since July.

The UK has committed to providing Saudi Arabia with "defensive air-to-air refuelling," involving a Royal Air Force Voyager from Cyprus for a short period. This assistance is aimed at preserving vital trade and energy routes, as the Houthis' attacks on ships in the Red Sea, the Bab Al Mandeb strait, and Saudi oil pipelines are disrupting critical connections.

The UN estimates that the renewed conflict has forced over 120,000 people, mainly from Taiz and Lahj, to flee their homes, with the number anticipated to increase further.