The full encirclement of the city began on October 12 after Houthi forces severed the primary transit route south to Aden, blocking resupply and reinforcement for government forces. This blockade has cut aid to 800,000 people according to the World Food Programme, while wheat prices in the city have surged 40% and water costs have risen to $4 per bottle. The fall of the last three districts in Taiz would provide the Houthis a strategic position to threaten the capital of Aden and shipping traffic at the Bab el-Mandeb strait.
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
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Houthis Offer Amnesty to Saudi Forces in Encircled Taiz
War3 days ago
Ahmad Amin al-Musawa, the official representing Sanaa in Taiz, has promised protection of honor and property to military units trapped inside the city if they lay down their arms. In an open letter, the acting governor of Taiz urged Saudi-backed fighters to accept a pardon and use a safe passage road toward Aden with their personal weapons and vehicles. Ansarallah issued a final warning for the units to vacate the city on October 16 and now controls all entry points to the urban center, which has a population of more than 1 million people.
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