At the heart of Yemen's tension: the frontline city targeted by Houthis

Fierce fighting accompanied by drone and mortar strikes continues around the city of Taiz in southwestern Yemen. Government forces backed by Saudi Arabia are trying to push back Houthi fighters who have seized a strategically important sea passage. The sound of constant gunfire and reconnaissance drones can be heard in residential areas located in the neutral zone. While civilians are sending their children to safer camps, they continue to stay on the front line to protect their property.

"Postxronika.az" reports, citing the BBC, that Houthi forces are massing troops in mountainous areas for a large-scale offensive. Government troops have also said they are aware of the threat and are stepping up their defensive preparations. Due to fierce clashes along the front line, military units are even unable to evacuate the bodies of soldiers killed in some areas. Houthi sources claim new territories will come under their control in the coming days.

Daily life for local residents in the frontline zone passes under constant fear and the threat of hunger. The intensification of fighting is further deepening the humanitarian crisis already present in the region. Government forces are trying to hold their positions in order to protect key communication lines. Analysts predict that the military buildup by both sides will push Yemen's civil war into a more destructive phase.

Rəşad Hüseynov