Saudi-backed pro-government forces are engaged in intense fighting with Houthi fighters in south-western Yemen, particularly around the city of Taiz. The conflict has escalated since the Houthis seized the strategic Red Sea port of Mokha on 10 September, following the unravelling of a four-year ceasefire.
Houthi fighters reportedly swept down the Red Sea coast earlier this month, taking control of a key shipping chokepoint. Contacts from the Houthi side indicate they are consolidating troops for a major offensive, a development government forces are aware of and preparing for.
Taiz, Yemen's third-largest city and cultural capital, is a critical intersection between Houthi-controlled northern areas and government-held southern regions. Government forces hold the city centre, while Houthi positions are to its north and east. Recent fierce fighting has been on the western approaches, where control of high ground overlooking the city's southern route is being contested.
Casualties from the front lines, including both fighters and civilians, are being brought to al-Thawra hospital in Taiz. Twelve-year-old Ghana Nabeel was among those injured by shrapnel from an incoming Houthi mortar while herding goats.
Families are fleeing the fighting, with 200 families reportedly arriving at the al-Monig displacement camp, south of Taiz, in the past 10 days.