The Yemen government offensive faces growing pressure as Houthi forces disrupt key supply routes. Recent attacks have affected roads, ports and transport links across the country.
The fighting has intensified around Taiz and Yemen’s Red Sea coast. As a result, government forces face new challenges in moving supplies.
According to Al Jazeera, the Houthis have captured important territory and launched missile attacks. However, government officials say their military campaign will continue.
Yemen government offensive faces supply problems
Houthi forces have targeted areas used by Yemen’s internationally recognised government.
On October 15, missile strikes killed at least five people near the presidential palace in Aden, according to Al Jazeera.
Prime Minister Shaya al-Zindani was at the palace but escaped unharmed.
Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree said the attack targeted a military headquarters. However, the group’s description of the target remains unverified.
Meanwhile, fighting has disrupted roads used to transport essential supplies.
These developments have increased pressure on government forces.
Houthis capture strategic Red Sea port
In September, Houthi forces captured Mocha, an important port on Yemen’s Red Sea coast.
Government troops later regained some nearby areas. However, Mocha reportedly remains under Houthi control.
The loss has affected government supply operations.
In addition, Houthi forces have blocked the main road between Taiz and Aden.
Alternative mountain roads have also faced disruption.
Consequently, moving supplies into Taiz has become more difficult.
Taiz residents face rising fuel prices
The fighting has affected civilians as well as military forces.
According to Al Jazeera, petrol prices in Taiz tripled last week.
Road closures have also made transport more difficult.
Furthermore, disrupted routes can affect access to food, fuel and essential services.
These problems add to the hardship facing local communities.
Government says military operations will continue
Despite the setbacks, Yemeni officials remain confident about their military campaign.
Colonel Wadah al-Dubaish, a spokesperson for government-aligned forces, told Al Jazeera that supplies continue to reach military positions.
He said government forces still have access to land, sea and air routes.
However, he acknowledged that Houthi attacks can delay deliveries and increase costs.
Meanwhile, Deputy Justice Minister Faisal al-Majidi said government forces use several supply hubs.
These include areas in Shabwa, Marib, Taiz and southern Yemen.
The approach aims to reduce dependence on individual roads.
Saudi Arabia supports Yemen government offensive
Saudi Arabia has increased its military support for Yemen’s internationally recognised government.
The support comes during the Dawn of Yemen operation.
The campaign aims to regain territory controlled by the Houthis, including Sanaa.
Saudi Arabia has also resumed acknowledged airstrikes against Houthi forces following the 2022 truce.
The Saudi-led coalition says it has destroyed hundreds of military targets since early October.
However, independent sources have not confirmed the full extent of those claims.
Government officials say Saudi support remains important to their operations.
Military coordination remains a challenge
Government forces also face internal coordination problems.
Several military units operate under different command structures.
As a result, organising joint operations can be difficult.
In January, Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council established the Supreme Military Committee.
The committee aims to improve coordination between anti-Houthi forces.
However, differences between military groups remain.
Yemeni researcher Adnan al-Jabarni told Al Jazeera that coordination has improved.
Nevertheless, the latest fighting continues to test these arrangements.
What happens next in Yemen?
The Yemen government offensive faces several challenges.
Houthi attacks continue to threaten supply routes. Meanwhile, government forces depend on alternative transport links and Saudi military support.
The fighting around Taiz remains particularly important.
However, neither side has secured a decisive outcome.
For civilians, continued instability threatens access to essential goods and services.
The coming weeks could determine whether government forces can maintain their offensive despite these setbacks.