Yemen: Houthi forces recapture Al-Khanjar camp (Al-Jawf province) April 7

Event

Houthi forces claim to have recaptured Al-Khanjar camp (Al-Jawf province) on Tuesday, April 7, after Saudi-backed coalition forces seized the camp in March. Reports indicate that the assault resulted in Houthi forces taking control of Buraq Al-Sheraa, as well as several military sites in the Al-Yatama front in Khab Washaaf district. Local forces were overrun; however, the number of casualties remains unconfirmed as a casualty figure was not immediately released.

Also on Tuesday, the Yemeni army announced that seven Houthi fighters were killed and 15 others were wounded in clashes west of Taiz province. There was no immediate comment from the Houthi leadership movement regarding the statements made by the Yemeni military spokesperson.

Further fighting between Houthi and Saudi-backed coalition forces is likely over the near term.

Context

Yemen is engaged in a complex and deadly conflict, ongoing since Houthi rebels entered a civil war with the Yemeni government, supported by a Saudi-led coalition, in 2015. The Saudi-led coalition has carried out thousands of airstrikes in Yemen since its intervention began. Hundreds of Yemeni civilians have been killed in the strikes, which have hit schools, hospitals, and markets, in addition to Houthi militant positions and personnel. In total, more than 10,000 Yemenis have died in the fighting and some 3 million have been displaced.

Advice

Due to poor security conditions, many Western governments strongly advise their citizens against all travel to Yemen. Travel to the country should only be considered with proper security protocols in place. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.