Yemen government forces claim control of Mount Qarfan in Taiz

Yemen’s Saudi-backed government forces say they have taken full control of strategic Mount Qarfan in the western governorate of Taiz during a battle with Iran-aligned Houthi fighters. Government forces, assisted by local fighters, secured Mount Qarfan on Tuesday, the Yemen Armed Forces Media Center said in a statement, as the warring sides battle for control of highlands overlooking the Red Sea coast. The chief of staff for the Taiz military axis, Major General Abdulaziz al-Majidi, said troops engaged in “fierce battles” with Houthi rebels, killing five Houthi fighters, wounding 20 and achieving the “restoration of control” of the mountain.