On March 24, the Houthis launched a large-scale attack against forces loyal to Saudi-backed Yemeni president Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi in the Nihm district of Saana province in central Yemen, according to the Houthis media wing.
An unnamed military source in the Houthis told the Yemeni al-Masira TV that Houthi fighters had recaptured the areas of Ayash and al-Tabab along with the mountains of Aydah al-Sharqiah, Aydah al-Gharbiah and al-Minsa’a in the district of Nihm from Saudi-backed forces. The Saudi-led coalition was able to capture these positions in 2017 and early 2018 following months of clashes.
During their advance in Nihm district, Houthi fighters killed more than 120 fighters of pro-Hadi forces and captured several others. Dozens of pro-Hadi forces vehicles were reportedly destroyed by the Houthis, that also captured loads of weapons and ammunition.
The Saudi-led coalition launched its military operations in the Nihm district months ago aiming to reach and capture the international Saana airport, north of the Yemeni capital of Saana. However, the Houthis were able to reverse the coalition’s gains in a single rapid attack.