Houthi Offensive Near Hodeidah Leaves 16 Pro-Government Troops Dead
An intense Houthi offensive utilizing snipers, drones, and mortar salvos south of Hodeidah resulted in the deaths of 16 government-aligned troops. The assault targeted strategic positions near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, marking some of the deadliest ground fighting in years. Following the initial Houthi breach, government forces reportedly launched a counterattack to retake lost ground. Simultaneously, maritime agencies reported a separate skiff attack on a bulk carrier 30 nautical miles off the coast.
Date: July 5, 2026
Location: Yemen
Conflict: Red Sea Crisis
Category: ground battle
Severity: HIGH
Casualties reported: 16
Source: CBS News / AP