Violent clashes between Yemeni government forces and Iran-allied Houthi fighters have intensified across Taiz governorate and Red Sea coastal areas, killing at least 81 fighters and forcing hundreds of displaced families to flee again.
The fighting erupted Thursday after Houthi forces launched a ground assault accompanied by rocket and drone attacks near coastal areas and around Taiz.
Government forces have since lost some territory west of Taiz as the Houthis advanced in several areas.
The heaviest overnight clashes along the Red Sea coast were concentrated in Al-Barah and Maqbanah districts.
Military officials cited by AFP reported 24 government fighters killed on the Red Sea coast and another 15 in inland Taiz.
Medical sources in Houthi-controlled areas reported at least 42 Houthi fighters killed.
The Houthi advance also reached Jabal Habashi, where families previously displaced by fighting were living in al-Rahabah camp.
Abdullah Saeed, who fled Maqbanah in 2022, was among hundreds forced to leave again as the front lines approached the camp.
About 300 families had been living there after escaping earlier violence.
Government forces face pressure around a main road used to resupply positions in government-controlled al-Makha and Taiz.
The head of operations for the Al Nasr Brigade said government forces had lost ground west of Taiz and that Houthi fighters had captured some territory.
Severing the supply route could further strengthen Houthi positions and increase pressure around al-Makha.
Fighting has also widened beyond Taiz.
Clashes were reported in al-Jawf after government forces launched a surprise attack.
Forces from the 6th military division targeted Houthi gatherings and weapons depots north and south of al-Jawf using rocket launchers, drones and other weapons, adding another active front to the escalating confrontation.