Military forces loyal to Yemen's exiled government are continuing a successful offensive against Houthi rebel strongholds in the northern al-Jawf province. Large swaths of territory have been wrested from the Iran-backed militant group's control, with celebrations breaking out in the streets of newly liberated towns and villages.
Yemen Conflict
Yemen Forces Advance Against Houthis
Armed forces loyal to Yemen's internationally recognized government continue successful offensive in northern al-Jawf province, with residents celebrating in newly freed areas
Government forces recently announced the liberation of the al-Yatmah area in southern al-Jawf province. Local residents marked the occasion with street celebrations that included gunfire into the air and chants denouncing the Houthi movement, which has controlled much of northern Yemen since 2014.
Similar scenes of protest against the Houthis were documented yesterday, as civilians in areas freed the previous evening in northern al-Jawf were filmed defacing images of the Houthi rebel leader. Based on the southward trajectory of the government offensive, military analysts believe the forces intend to continue pushing the militant group back from captured positions.
Given the starting point of the current campaign and the direction of the advancing battle lines, some observers suggest that government forces could potentially threaten the capital city of Sanaa itself in the near future if their momentum continues.
Celebrating
