LAHJ — Intense fighting between Houthi militants and pro-government forces resumed on Saturday in Yemen's southern Lahj province, resulting in casualties and displacements, according to a military source.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the conflict ignited over strategic terrain along the boundary between Lahj and Taiz provinces. A military official, who requested anonymity, detailed that the Houthis launched an offensive aimed at seizing mountainous areas but encountered stiff resistance from government troops. "The skirmishes were marked by the use of heavy weaponry and lasted several hours," the official said, noting that the encounter left two soldiers dead and five others wounded.

Despite their efforts, the Houthis failed to gain new ground, although they managed to fortify positions close to the front lines. The escalation of violence, as reported by local media, has prompted numerous families in the vicinity to flee their homes, highlighting the growing humanitarian concerns in the region.

This recent surge in hostilities follows a series of lesser skirmishes last week in the same area, which had already claimed several lives. The ongoing conflict in Yemen began in late 2014 when Houthi forces took control of several northern provinces, including the capital, Sanaa, effectively displacing the internationally recognized government.