Updated

Yemen's internationally recognised government, led by Presidential Leadership Council chair Rashad al-Alimi, announced the start of a major military campaign to retake remaining Houthi-held territory, calling it a 'battle for liberation.' Fighting intensified sharply around the southwestern province of Taiz and neighbouring Lahij, with government sources reporting dozens of operations (97 claimed strikes) and more than 70 people killed in 24 hours according to AFP, including both government troops and Houthi fighters. Houthi forces responded by cutting a vital supply road linking Taiz to Aden, while Saudi-led coalition air strikes hit Houthi-controlled Sanaa, including a strike on a foam factory. The government claims to have killed around 700 Houthi fighters as it pushes to retake lost ground, while residents in areas like Mocha describe deteriorating conditions as the conflict grinds on. The escalation marks one of the most significant flare-ups in Yemen's civil war in months, raising fears of a prolonged new round of conflict after years of fragile ceasefire.