Photo: Reuters / Yemen’s Defence Ministry
On February 18, the pro-Saudi wing of the Yemeni Armed Forces repelled an attack by the Houthis (Ansar Allah) in the district of Harad in the northwestern Yemeni province of Hajjah, per the al-Arabiya TV.
According to the news channel, the Houthis attempt to advance near Beni Ahsen, which is located some 25 kilometers to the south of Harad district center. However, they were pushed back by Saudi-backed forces after sustaining some losses.
A day earlier, Saudi-backed forces lost several positions around Harad district center to the Houthis, including Bani Hilal, Hasamah, Hazan and Ma`mal.
#Yemen [16/2/2022]:#Hajjah #حجة #حرض#Ansarallah advanced S. Harad & took control over Bani Hilal, Hasamah, Ḩaz̧an & Ma`mal. Also troops took control over Jabal Qufl N.E. Harad. In addition, map changes were made around the border showing a major control of Sanaa forces there pic.twitter.com/NV792YY70t
— @Suriyak (@Suriyakmaps) February 17, 2022
Saudi-backed forces kicked off a large-scale attack on Houthi forces in Harad district center early on in February. Now, however, they are trying to defend their positions in the district from the Houthis who maintain the upper hand.
Despite the apparent failure of its proxies, the Saudi-led coalition continues to target Houthi forces in Harad and nearby areas.
Between February 17 and 18, warplanes of the coalition carried out 18 airstrikes on Hajjah and the central province of Ma’rib. At least 13 vehicles of the Houthis were reportedly destroyed. The coalition also struck an alleged drone control center of the Houthis in Sanaa.
The attack on Harad reflect the incompetence of the Saudi-led coalition’s proxies in Yemen, who remain unorganized and unmotivated.