Government forces report recapturing positions in Hayfan, advancing in Al-Jawf and repelling Houthi attacks in Lahj, while fighting intensifies west of Taiz and ballistic missiles target Aden Airport and Ma'ashiq Palace.

   Fierce fighting erupted across several fronts in Yemen's Lahj, Taiz and Al-Jawf governorates on Friday, as government forces clashed with Houthi fighters amid airstrikes targeting military vehicles along the strategic Taiz–Aden road. Government forces also reported renewed Houthi ballistic missile attacks on Aden Airport and Ma'ashiq Presidential Palace.

In Lahj governorate, circulating video footage showed airstrikes targeting dozens of Houthi military vehicles and equipment in the Hayjat Al-Abd area of Al-Maqatirah district, along the main road connecting Taiz and Aden. The extent of casualties and equipment losses could not be independently verified.

In a further escalation early Saturday, October 31, Houthi forces launched a major overnight offensive in Al-Maqatirah district, reportedly capturing several positions before government troops and local resistance fighters repelled further advances and recaptured some contested high ground.

Field reports indicated continued fighting around Al-Zuraiqah, with casualties on both sides and damage to civilian homes from shelling.

The clashes highlight the continuing struggle for control of the mountainous terrain surrounding the strategic Hayjat Al-Abd road linking Taiz and Aden, where positions have repeatedly changed hands amid intense fighting.

In the Hayfan front, the government-affiliated Fourth Hazm Brigade announced that its forces had recaptured the Al-Harz and Aqil positions in the Al-Abous area after Houthi fighters seized them early Friday morning.

In a field statement, the brigade, commanded by Brigadier General Wafi Al-Ghubas Al-Subaihi, said the positions were retaken following intense battles supported by other military units. Operations were continuing to secure the surrounding area, it added.

Elsewhere in Lahj, government forces reportedly repelled heavy Houthi assaults on Al-Majzaa, Jabal Al-Hafar and Barh Al-Ghalb in the Al-Mudarabah and Ras Al-Arah district, with casualties reported on both sides.

Fighting also continued in Al-Maqatirah district, particularly around Al-Sailah, Al-Zuraiqah and Al-Khazzan. Field sources said government troops, backed by local resistance fighters, had thwarted Houthi attempts to advance toward Al-Maqatirah Castle.

In Taiz governorate, clashes resumed along the city's western front, stretching from the vicinity of Jabal Han and Madarat to the area surrounding the former airport military camp.

Meanwhile, in Al-Jawf governorate, field journalist Majed Ayyash reported that government forces had established fire control over the Hawishiyan Mountains and were advancing toward the Duhayda and Al-Saarat mountains near Bir Al-Maraziq, as clashes continued.

Amid the escalating ground battles, a Yemeni government military spokesperson said Houthi forces had targeted Aden International Airport and Ma'ashiq Presidential Palace with ballistic missiles. No independently confirmed details were immediately available regarding casualties or damage.

The latest developments come amid the continuing military escalation following the launch of Operation Dawn of Yemen in early October, with government forces conducting simultaneous ground offensives across several fronts supported by air operations.