Saada, Yemen –Houthi militants launched a surprise assault on Yemeni army positions early Friday morning in the northern border area of Alab, Saada Province. The attack, which marks one of the most intense violations of the informal truce held for over two years, resulted in significant casualties on both sides.

Military Sources Report:

- The Yemeni army confirmed the deaths of ten soldiers and acknowledged numerous casualties among Houthi fighters, with dozens reportedly killed or wounded.

- The clashes led to the destruction of three Houthi military vehicles, while Yemeni forces stated they had repelled the offensive and conducted a counter-attack, forcing the insurgents to retreat.

- Bodies of some Houthi combatants remain scattered on the battlefield, suggesting the ferocity of the confrontation.

Commanders from the Alab front stated they had been monitoring unusual movements by Houthi units in recent days, allowing them to prepare defensive measures ahead of the assault. Military analysts warn that this incident could jeopardize the fragile calm in northern Yemen and reignite a broader conflict along the border.

There has yet to be an official response from the Houthi leadership regarding the operation. Meanwhile, local communities near the border have voiced concern over renewed instability and called on international observers to maintain pressure for de-escalation.