Yemeni Forces Claim Mount Qarafan as UN Talks Intensify
Yemeni government claims key mountain gains while diplomats seek international support at the UN.
Key points
- Yemeni forces claim control of Mount Qarafan and Mount Zalat in Taiz province.
- Approximately 132,000 people have been displaced by recent hostilities in Yemen.
- Yemeni diplomats are seeking international support at the UN General Assembly in New York.
Yemeni government forces claimed control of Mount Qarafan in Taiz on Tuesday. This move aims to reverse recent Houthi gains along the Red Sea coast. The offensive is part of a broader military and diplomatic strategy. Officials seek to prevent rebels from encircling government-held areas.
The strategic peaks offer commanding views over key valleys. Controlling them helps block Houthi attempts to expand territory. The government also reported seizing Mount Zalat near the Bab al-Mandeb strait. These locations are critical for preventing further rebel advances.
Diplomatic efforts at the United Nations
Yemeni officials are rallying support at the UN General Assembly. Presidential Council member Abdullah al-Alimi leads the delegation. He has met with US politicians in New York. Foreign Minister Afrah al-Zouba called for disarming non-state armed groups.
Qatar’s Emir reaffirmed support for a comprehensive political resolution. He emphasized preserving Yemen’s unity and sovereignty. Ireland also expressed concern over the humanitarian crisis. They stressed the need to protect freedom of navigation in the strait.
Humanitarian impact and regional risks
Recent hostilities have displaced approximately 132,000 people, according to the International Organization for Migration. About 75,000 of these individuals are in Taiz alone. The humanitarian toll continues to mount as fighting persists in mountainous regions.
Analysts note that government counterattacks remain localized. Many world powers, including the US, avoid direct involvement. Washington is already entangled in conflicts with Iran, the Houthis’ primary ally. This limits the scale of international military support.
Strategic importance of coastal high ground
Control of Bab al-Mandeb is a central concern for governments. The strait is vital for global shipping lanes. The Houthis have attempted to secure high ground there. This would allow them to prevent government counterattacks and expand control.
According to Al Jazeera English, the government claims to have thwarted Houthi infiltration attempts. They also reported killing five fighters and injuring 20 others. Saudi Arabia has not confirmed reports of air strikes in Taiz and Marib. The situation remains tense and fluid.
