Taiz-Fierce clashes pitting forces supporting the internationally recognized government against insurgency militia (mostly composed of Houthis) on Taiz’ western battlefront in Yemen renewed on Thursday.

Featuring the contribution of pro-ousted president Ali Abdullah Saleh militants, insurgency militia attempted to retake bands of land previously lost to legitimacy forces.

Militias reportedly suffered great losses among their ranks in the process of attempting to restore control over lost strongholds, local sources told Asharq Al-Awsat.

National Army and Popular Resistance, both backing Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi’s government, had made advances in the field recapturing multiple sites. Most fronts, previously keeping a defensive state, have shifted to offense.

The Yemeni government and supporting Saudi-led Arab coalition had announced the launch of a decisive offensive against coup-held headlocks mid-August.

Wasted by losses, Iran-backed Houthi militias resorted to hysterical and intense shelling of civilian and government institutions. Many neighborhoods in Taiz and rural villages were pounded severely, leaving behind great damage and ruin.

Many unarmed civilians were reportedly killed by the insurgency-led attacks.

Governor of Taiz Ali al-Maamari said that including Popular Resistance forces in offensives launched to liberate the city from coup militants is an ongoing process.

He confirmed that the local committee is relentlessly spending efforts to overcome obstacles and uphold security in liberated areas, in addition to wash away all signs of corruption left behind by insurgency militia.

Governor Maamari said that Taiz is witnessing ongoing victories for pro-legitimacy forces. He also added that the progress is being achieved through a collective effort brought in by all the political and social elements of Taiz.

He added that the local committee’s chief priority is to reinforce security and restore government influence in a process to accomplish public order. Maamari added that the citizen should be at the heart of all government efforts and investment.