Houthis Step Up Attacks as Militia Clashes Intensify Across Yemen

A Renewed Military Campaign

Since early March, Houthi fighters have pushed aggressively into key contested areas in central and southern Yemen, targeting militias affiliated with the internationally recognized government and various separatist factions. Clashes have erupted in Marib, Al-Bayda, and the outskirts of Taiz, with dozens reported killed on both sides.

Analysts say the Houthis are capitalizing on political divisions among their opponents and the relative withdrawal of coalition support in some regions. “The Houthis are trying to expand their influence before a potential political breakthrough, especially as international actors push for renewed peace talks,” said Ali Al-Fadhli, a military expert based in Sana’a.

Militias on the Defensive

Militia groups aligned with the government have struggled to respond effectively. Many are under-equipped and divided by internal rivalries. Southern separatist forces, particularly those under the Southern Transitional Council (STC), have clashed not only with Houthis but also with other pro-government groups over control of key territories like Shabwa and Abyan.

As a result, civilians are once again bearing the brunt of violence. “We keep hearing promises of peace, but the reality is more explosions, more checkpoints, and more fear,” said Fatima, a schoolteacher in Taiz, where fighting recently flared.

Regional Implications

The surge in Houthi operations comes amid a shifting regional landscape. While Saudi Arabia has dialed down its direct military involvement, the group has increased cross-border drone and missile attacks, especially targeting Saudi infrastructure and Red Sea shipping lanes. The United States and the UK have responded with limited airstrikes on Houthi positions, but these have done little to curb the group’s momentum on the ground.

Iran, widely believed to back the Houthis, has remained quiet publicly. But regional observers note that the group’s increasing use of advanced weaponry—including precision drones and ballistic missiles—reflects growing external support.

A War Without Winners

With no clear end in sight, Yemen’s war is entering a new phase—one where fragmented alliances, local militias, and non-state actors dominate the battlefield.

Efforts by the United Nations to revive peace talks continue, but trust is in short supply. “All sides are waiting to see who gains the upper hand militarily,” said Rania Hassan, a political analyst in Aden. “It’s not about ideology anymore. It’s about territory, control, and leverage.”

For ordinary Yemenis, the conflict remains a daily nightmare. More than 70% of the population needs humanitarian aid, and millions remain displaced. As long as guns speak louder than diplomacy, the cycle of violence seems set to continue.