Yemeni Government Intensifies Military Reinforcements in Lahj

The Nation's Shield Forces pushed military reinforcements towards the frontlines in Haifan, south of Taiz province, and Aerim in the Al-Qubaita District, north of Lahj province. This has been the second time since early this month that the Shield Forces have deployed troops in Lahj and Taiz.

The deployed reinforcements have been described as massive. Such a move of the government forces came after recent clashes with the Ansar Allah (Houthi) fighters in Taiz and Lahj.

Last week, reports indicated that 20 Houthi fighters were killed in clashes in Al-Ta'iziyah District in Taiz as the Houthi group continues to mobilize forces and attack military positions controlled by pro-government troops.

In early April, a surprise Houthi attack killed 11 southern fighters in Karesh frontline in Lahj. The fighting lasted five hours, and the Houthi Houthi attempted advance was foiled.

The Shield Forces were established by the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) in January last year with support from Saudi Arabia. Sources estimate that it has about 15000 fighters, and its commander is Brigadier General Bashir Al-Mudharibi, who belongs to Lahj province.

Meanwhile, the Houthi group announced Friday the downing of an American MQ-9 drone while it was "carrying out hostilities in the airspace of Marib province." This is the fourth U.S. drone downed by the Houthis since late last year.

As peace talks keep hitting a dead end, Yemen's warring sides have heightened their preparation for war. On Wednesday, the Houthi group conducted a military maneuver in Al-Bayda province. The maneuver was carried out with light, medium, and heavy weapons, including artillery, uncrewed aerial vehicles, and anti-armor weapons.

In his latest briefing to the United Nations Security Council, the UN envoy to Yemen displayed worry about the continued escalations in Yemen. He said, "I am concerned about the continuation of military activity in the form of shelling, sniper fire, intermittent fighting, drone attacks and troop movements in Al Dhale, Hudaydah, Lahj, Ma'rib, Sa'adah, Shabwa, and Ta'iz."

He added, " I am also concerned about the parties' threats to return to war, including Ansar Allah's rhetoric and actions in relation to Ma'rib. Let me be clear, further violence will not resolve the conflict."

The parties to the conflict in Yemen agreed to the UN roadmap for peace in early December last year. However, progress was frozen as the Houthis escalated attacks on the shipping lanes in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.