Yemen's Saudi-backed government says its forces have captured the strategic Huwayshian mountain range in northern Al-Jawf province following intensified clashes with Houthi fighters, securing key positions overlooking the Houthi-held provincial capital, Al-Hazm.
The advance comes amid expanding military operations across several provinces, as continued fighting and restrictions on humanitarian access deepen the crisis facing displaced civilians.
Col. Rabie al-Qurashi, an army field commander, said Saturday that government forces had secured the entire Huwayshian range after capturing several positions Friday.
The mountains constitute Al-Hazm's first defensive line, while their capture could allow government forces to disrupt Houthi supply routes.
The army reported seizing weapons and ammunition depots, destroying armoured vehicles and capturing Houthi fighters.
It also claimed to have conducted 1,119 strikes, neutralising 427 Houthi members and destroying or damaging 142 vehicles and pieces of equipment.
These figures could not be independently verified, and the military did not specify the timeframe.
The Houthis disputed the government's account, claiming to have repelled advances in Al-Jawf and neighbouring Marib.
The offensive forms part of Operation Dawn of Yemen, launched in October to reverse Houthi territorial gains.
Al-Jawf's proximity to Saudi Arabia and several contested provinces makes it strategically significant.
Fighting has continued around Taiz, where government forces reported repelling Houthi attacks in Al-Aqroudh and neighbouring Lahij province.
Houthi-affiliated media also reported two air strikes targeting an oil company facility in Hodeidah's Bajil district.
The prolonged siege of Taiz continues to restrict essential supplies, including food, fuel and medicine.
Yemeni media reported the arrival of medical assistance from Marib, although additional shipments reportedly faced road closures.
According to the United Nations, more than 290,000 people have been displaced since fighting escalated in August.
Nearly 6,100 pregnant women were among those recently displaced, while more than 65,000 refugees and asylum seekers face deteriorating conditions.
The continuing military escalation threatens to compound humanitarian pressures as government and Houthi forces contest territory across Yemen.