In Yemen, the Houthis have approached Taiz, the country's third largest city. Modern.az reports that “Financial Times” wrote about this, citing local residents.
According to the publication, the capture of the city could allow the Houthis to advance towards Aden, where the internationally recognized government is located.
“Financial Times” writes that all main entrances to Taiz have turned into a war zone. According to local residents, clashes started so suddenly that people did not have time to evacuate to safe areas.
City residents complain about the shortage of food, medicine and fuel, as well as the sharp increase in the prices of these products. They fear the capture of the city and the start of street fighting. However, residents are also reluctant to leave the city, fearing that they will have to cross the front line.
Adam Baron, a research fellow at the “New America” analytical center, told the “Financial Times” that Taiz has long been one of the main centers of resistance against the Houthis. The city is also the birthplace of Yemeni President Rashad al-Alimi.
According to the expert, taking control over Taiz has not only strategic, but also symbolic importance.
The Houthis also tried to besiege Taiz in 2015. The current siege shows that government forces are struggling to maintain control over large areas of the suburbs. More than a decade ago, those areas became a refuge for residents fleeing fighting.
According to the “Financial Times”, this time many of those living in the suburbs have moved to Taiz. This has further worsened the already dire humanitarian situation.
