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Al-Jawf Emerges as New Frontline in Yemen Conflict Near al-Hazm — AI-generated representative image: Soldiers on a rocky ridge overlooking arid terrain, illustrating the reported military operations in Yemen's al-Jawf province

Editorial Team

Government forces push toward al-Hazm as Operation Dawn of Yemen intensifies nationwide

Al-Jawf has become a new focal point in the war between Yemen's internationally recognised government and the Houthis, as government-aligned forces launched a major counteroffensive to capture strategic heights east of the provincial capital, al-Hazm. The operations form part of Operation Dawn of Yemen, launched last month to reverse Houthi territorial gains and restore state control.

The northern governorate holds outsized strategic value because of its expansive border with Saudi Arabia and its direct links to five pivotal governorates: Hadramout, Saada, Sanaa, Amran and oil-rich Marib. Control of al-Jawf also serves as a defensive shield for government-held Marib and a gateway to major Houthi strongholds in northern Yemen, making the current advances significant for the trajectory of the 12-year conflict.

Major Military Advances

Field Commander Colonel Rabie Al-Qurashi said government forces have won complete control over the strategic Huwaishan mountain range east of al-Hazm, which he described as the first line of defence for the Houthis in the eastern axis. He added that government forces had achieved partial control over the Al-Alam front road, positioning them to tighten pressure on the upper al-Labanat camp, regarded as a vital eastern gateway to Sanaa.

The developments coincide with the Presidential Council's appointment of Major General Amin Ali Al-Akimi as governor and military commander of al-Jawf. The Houthis, for their part, say they have thwarted advances by government forces in al-Jawf and Marib.

Strategic Importance and Conflict History

During 12 years of war, control over al-Hazm has shifted several times, with the Houthis seizing the city in March 2020. The group has controlled the capital Sanaa and most of northern Yemen since the war broke out in September 2014.

The government currently dominates the vast eastern desert district of Khabb wa ash Sha'af, representing 82 percent of the governorate's total area, while the Houthis control al-Hazm and 10 other districts. Military researcher Ali Al-Dahab said the recent gains represent a military transformation that serves future operations toward al-Hazm, providing a morale advantage while granting government forces observation of Houthi supply lines.

Analyst Assessments and Official Statements

Security and political affairs researcher Brigadier General Ahmed Al-Awadhi stressed the importance of "continuous but not rapid" government advances, noting that control over heights in the desert governorate represents points of military strength regardless of proximity to the capital. He added that the advances highlight a historical vulnerability for the Houthis, who have suffered repeated defeats in battles in desert and open areas.

Military spokesman Majed Abdullah Al-Nuzaili said recent operations against Houthi positions were "inflicting losses on the militia's capabilities." Yemen-focused analyst Ibrahim Jalal said the reappointment of Al-Akimi, who hails from the Dhu Hussein branch of the Daham Bakil tribe, could help mobilise tribes and bolster momentum, though translating that influence into sustainable gains remains contingent upon unifying command and securing support.

Escalating Nationwide Hostilities

Fighting has continued elsewhere in Yemen, with Houthi-affiliated media reporting air strikes on an oil company facility in the Bajil district of Hodeidah. Government forces repelled Houthi attacks in al-Aqroudh and on the Tur al-Baha front in Lahij, while intense fighting continues in Taiz governorate.

Governor Nabil Shamsan said hospitals in Taiz are working at only 20 percent capacity, with 120 health centres entirely shut due to the siege. He urged the international community to secure at least one safe route between Taiz and Aden. More than 300,000 people have fled their homes in western Yemen due to the escalating fighting.