A month after Yemen government offensive began, war of attrition takes hold

Yemen’s internationally recognised government launched Operation Dawn of Yemen on 5 October, aiming to retake Houthi-held territory, including the capital, Sanaa. A month on, the city remains mostly calm apart from recurring air strikes, but fighting and territorial shifts elsewhere have continued, and analysts say the offensive has opened a new phase of attrition.

The Houthis have made gains in Taiz and Lahij, while researchers say strikes have targeted their fuel and supply networks, maritime routes and tribal support around Sanaa. A Yemeni researcher said many Houthi commanders and hundreds of fighters had been killed in attacks; the government also claimed it killed or wounded 1,540 Houthis in 24 hours. The article’s final sentence is cut off after a further government claim beginning “16,100 Hou…”.