Yemen’s UN-recognised government has reshuffled its political and military leadership in an effort to win back territory it lost to the Houthis in September. The move is also meant to end the four-week siege of Taiz, the country’s third-largest city.
A counteroffensive launched on 5 October, which aimed to free the entire country from Houthi control, has failed. Fighting has left thousands dead on both sides.
Saudi Arabia, the government’s ally, holds air superiority, but this has not translated into progress on the ground. Saudi forces have also had to fend off near-daily Houthi attacks on their airports and military bases.
The dismissals follow Houthi victories and pressure from southern Yemenis demanding more power.
