Yemen's internationally recognized government announced it has launched a surprise offensive against Houthi rebel forces, capturing territory in the northern Al-Jawf province. The military operation marks an expansion of the frontlines in Yemen's long-running civil war, which has pitted the Iran-backed Houthi movement against the Saudi-backed government since 2014.
According to an official statement from the government's armed forces, heavy artillery bombardment is currently underway targeting Houthi positions and troop concentrations. Military officials described the shelling as preparation for an even broader ground operation in the coming days.
Brigadier General Majed al-Nazili, spokesman for the government forces, said troops continue to advance steadily and are achieving victories across Al-Jawf and other fronts.
