News outlets are reporting fierce engagements between the Yemeni Army and Houthi forces in the Al Barh front, west of Taiz, and on the western coast.

A Yemeni military commander states that qualitative operations against the Houthi militia in Al Barh have resulted in significant losses for the Houthis.

Reports indicate severe rifts within Houthi ranks, with large-scale desertions from front lines and leadership establishing checkpoints to hunt down their own fleeing members.

The Yemeni Presidential Council states that the Houthis are suffering severe losses on various fronts, attributing recent escalation to Iranian Revolutionary Guard directives.

Analysis highlights the strategic importance of Hormuz and Bab-el-Mandeb as energy chokepoints, questioning the impact of simultaneous disruptions.

Yemen vows to deprive Iran of the Bab-el-Mandeb card by decisively escalating against the Houthis, preparing for a conclusive battle to end their threats.

A military advisor to the Yemeni National Resistance leader states that Houthis play a major role among Iran's proxies, and Tehran seeks to use escalation in Yemen and the Red Sea as a negotiating tool.