‘Liberation’ war backfires as Houthis seize Turbah, threaten Taiz–aden road?

Yemen’s Saudi-backed government announced a major offensive to retake territory seized by the Houthis as fighting intensified across several fronts. Presidential Council chief Rashad al-Alimi said the campaign aims to restore state authority and push back Houthi advances. The offensive came as reports said Houthi forces had captured Turbah and two nearby districts in southwestern Taiz province, while the group also claimed control of the Taiz-Aden road. The renewed fighting has raised fresh concerns over the security of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a vital Red Sea gateway for international shipping, as Saudi-backed forces seek to reverse recent Houthi gains.