Screen grab from a video released by the media center of the Yemeni military.
Late on February 5, forces from the pro-Saudi 5th District of the Yemeni military stormed the city of Harad, which is held by the Houthis (Ansar Allah), in the northwestern Yemen province of Hajjah.
Earlier, the 5th District’s forces managed to besiege Houthi forces inside Harad after capturing the strategic al-Mihsam camp, which is located to the east of the city.
With close air support from the Saudi-led coalition, the 5th District’s forces were able to advance in the southern and western parts of Harad. However, much of the city remains in the hands of the Houthis. As of February 6, clashes continue in the citry.
The Saudi-led coalition backed the attack on Harad with dozens of airstrikes. The coalition also imposed a “no-drive zone” around the city.
Harad is one of Hajjah’s key urban centers. The city is located less than 15 kilometers away from al-Tuwal border crossing with Saudi Arabia. The Houthis launched several attacks on the border from the outskirts of the city during the war.
#Yemen [4/2/2022]:
– #Hajjah #حرض#YNA launched new offensive in order to isolate Harad town & managed to capture Jabal Ḩuşayn, Ghārib, Ḩawthalah, Kharashah & Mahsam camp
– S. #Marib #مأرب:#Ansarallah launched counterattack & recaptured Faliha.
Map: [ https://t.co/odwxwBtB1F ] pic.twitter.com/zcl4y8YiT0— @Suriyak (@Suriyakmaps) February 5, 2022
The Houthis will not likely be able to hold onto their remaining positions in Harad. The city could fall into the hands of Saudi-backed forces within a few days.
Kudos to SouthFront. Good picture of a Tpyota “technical” with a ZPU-4 quadruple 14.5 mm. anti-aircraft machinegun mount.
The Saudi coalition had next to no success against the Houthis for years, but now it’s winning victory after victory. Did they really just need fresh troops, or is there something more going on here?