Houthi Forces Claim Control of Strategic Mountain Peak in Taiz

Yemeni Houthi forces have claimed control over the highest peak in the Jabal Habashi district of Taiz governorate, according to Al Jazeera. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree stated that the group stopped attempts by Yemeni government forces to move toward the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. CBS News reported that Houthi allies of Iran have denied losing ground to the Saudi-backed military of Yemen. [1][2]

The reported clashes follow recent Houthi advances in the region. According to reports from The New Indian Express, ETV Bharat, and Udayavani, Iran-backed Houthis recently seized another town in Yemen while advancing toward the key city of Taiz. The region remains a focal point in the wider Middle East crisis, which CBS News notes has caused oil prices to ease despite the fighting over critical waterways. [2][3][4][5]

The latest fighting is part of an offensive launched by the Houthis on 3 September 2026 against the internationally recognized Presidential Leadership Council. Clashes initially began in Taiz Governorate and prompted counter-offensives in the Al-Jawf and Al-Bayda governorates. Military action around the city of Taiz has been part of a long-standing siege that intensified in September 2026. [6][7]

As FTMQ News reported earlier, Yemeni government forces previously claimed to recapture the port city of Mocha and territory near the Bab al-Mandeb strait, though Houthi forces denied losing those areas. Previous reports also noted intense daily clashes across the country as fighting between the government and Houthi rebels continues. [10][11]