Frontline access
In a rare journey into Yemen's combat zone, the BBC accompanied pro-government soldiers to positions on the outskirts of a city where Houthi fighters are battling to gain control. The visit provided uncommon on-the-ground perspective of a frontline that has seen repeated fighting since the wider conflict intensified.
A long-running conflict
The clashes are part of a broader war that began after the Houthi movement swept into large areas of northern Yemen and the capital several years ago. The fighting pits Houthi forces against troops aligned with the internationally recognised government, and has involved regional interventions and repeated attempts at ceasefires and diplomacy.
Tactical and civilian implications
The contest for control of the city underscores both the military and civilian stakes. Frontline shifts can change daily life for residents, with people living under the threat of shelling, road closures, and displacement. Humanitarian agencies have repeatedly warned that the protracted conflict has left many Yemenis in need of food, shelter and medical care.
Reporting under restrictions
Journalists face significant barriers to accessing many parts of Yemen, making such frontline visits uncommon. Observers say that limited media access complicates efforts to document the humanitarian and security dimensions of the war, and to hold parties to account. International calls for de-escalation and renewed political negotiations continue alongside the fighting, but prospects for a durable settlement have repeatedly faltered.
Broader consequences
The battle for the city is one episode in a conflict that has reshaped Yemen's governance, economy and social fabric. Analysts warn that continued clashes will deepen suffering, prolong displacement and impede the delivery of aid, even as diplomatic efforts aim to reduce hostilities and revive talks on a political solution.