The city of Taiz, the third largest city in Yemen, is currently facing intensified bombings and a siege by Houthi forces. Residents of this city report an increase in attacks and a decrease in vital resources, while Houthi forces have taken control of surrounding areas.
Siege and Intensification of the Humanitarian Crisis
Houthi forces blocked a main road from Taiz to Aden last week, leading to a siege of government forces. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has described the situation in Taiz as extremely critical and stated that the entry of essential and humanitarian goods into the city is impossible, which has caused prices to rise.
Read more: The number of victims of the migrant boat sinking off the coast of Djibouti has reached 139
Military Tensions and the Response of the Yemeni Government
The Yemeni government has recently launched an operation to retake areas under Houthi control and has managed to liberate areas near the Bab al-Mandab Strait. However, Houthi forces continue to exert pressure on Taiz and on Monday took control of the al-Masrak management district. Residents of Taiz report heavy bombings on Monday night, and government sources blame the Houthis.
Mohammed al-Qadhi, a political analyst, emphasized that the heavy bombings and tight siege by the Houthis increase pressure on this city. He said: "The Houthis are well aware of the importance of Taiz province, and this province acts as a stronghold against their ideology."
The war in Yemen began in 2014 with the Houthis' capture of the capital, Sana'a, after which the government fled south. Saudi Arabia intervened militarily against the Houthis in early 2015 to prevent Iranian influence and instability on its borders.
Currently, the prices of essential goods in Taiz have risen sharply, and residents are complaining about the lack of daily food supplies. The lack of access to goods and rising prices have severely complicated the living conditions of the people.
Abdulrahman al-Qalai, the director general of the Industry and Trade Office in Taiz, has called on the international community and humanitarian organizations to work to meet the needs of the people and end the siege.
Read more: Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand is in India discussing with Subrahmanyam Jaishankar · Closure of Riyadh International Airport after deadly Houthi attacks
