rki.news | Sources Xinhua
ADEN, Yemen, Sept. 13 (Xinhua): Yemen’s government forces said Sunday that more than 500 soldiers were killed and about 1,500 wounded during month-long battles with the Houthis along the western coast, as the group advanced toward the strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait.
In a statement carried by Al-Joumhouriya TV, the government’s National Resistance Forces said the casualties were recorded between Aug. 9 and Sept. 10. It claimed more than 1,000 Houthi members were killed and thousands wounded, although the figures could not be independently verified.
The statement said fighting began with Houthi missile, drone and explosive-boat attacks before spreading from Hays in Hodeidah province to several fronts in neighboring Taiz province.
The casualties came amid a Houthi offensive launched Sept. 3 that rapidly changed front lines along Yemen’s Red Sea coast. The Houthis captured several government-held areas in Hodeidah and Taiz provinces.
The group captured Mocha on Thursday, then advanced into the Bab al-Mandab area and seized Mayun Island, tightening control over the vital shipping chokepoint connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden.
Fighting later moved toward Lahj province and closer to Aden.
Yemeni Forces Report Heavy Losses in Houthi Offensive
