Al-Jawf — Heavy clashes erupted late Friday between Yemeni government forces and Houthi militias in the al-Khub wa al-Sha’af district, eastern al-Jawf governorate, after Houthi fighters attempted to advance toward military positions along the frontlines.

Military sources reported that the confrontations involved various types of weapons, with both sides exchanging artillery fire and small arms in intense battles that lasted for several hours. 

The fighting broke out when Houthi units launched an assault aimed at breaking through Yemeni army defenses in the area.

Local residents said the sounds of explosions and gunfire were heard across nearby villages, underscoring the scale of the clashes. No official casualty figures have yet been released, but initial reports suggest losses on both sides.

The district of al-Khub wa al-Sha’af has long been a volatile frontline in Yemen’s war, with repeated attempts by Houthi forces to expand their control met by stiff resistance from government troops. 

Analysts note that the renewed fighting highlights the fragility of the situation in al-Jawf, where both sides continue to vie for strategic territory.