Houthi Rebels Seize Yemeni Parliament Speaker's Home Amid Clashes
Houthi rebels seized the home of Yemen's pro-Saudi parliament speaker near Taiz amid intense fighting, while Saudi forces dismissed Houthi claims of attacks on Riyadh.
Houthi rebels have seized the home of Yemeni Parliament Speaker Sultan al-Burkani south of Taiz, marking a symbolic victory amid renewed fighting in western Yemen. The seizure was reported by the Emirati-owned Sky News Arabia channel as clashes intensify between Houthi forces and the internationally recognized government.
Escalation Around Taiz
The fighting near Taiz represents one of the most significant escalations in Yemen since the 2022 UN-brokered ceasefire. Al-Burkani is a prominent figure within the pro-Saudi camp, making the takeover of his residence a major symbolic blow to the government-aligned leadership.
"What the Houthis are experiencing in Taiz, and the heavy human losses they are suffering at the hands of the Yemeni Armed Forces, are driving them to seek illusory victories," stated Saudi coalition spokesman General Turki al-Maliki.
Saudi Response and Regional Impact
Riyadh has strongly pushed back against Houthi claims of military success, with General al-Maliki denying reports of successful drone or missile strikes on the Saudi capital. Meanwhile, military sources report that hundreds of Houthi fighters have been neutralized across active fronts as the conflict continues to expand.
