Yemen Battles Intensify for Heights West of Taiz Overlooking Bab al-Mandab

Fighting has intensified on fronts west and southwest of Taiz, with both sides contesting a governing mountain range from Al-Waziyah to Jabal Kahbub. Control of these heights would provide observation and fire control over the coastal approaches to Bab al-Mandab, a strategic chokepoint. The outcome could shift the balance in the broader Yemen conflict and affect Red Sea shipping security.