Al-Jawf becomes new hotspot in Yemen war between government forces, Houthis

Al-Jawf has become a new focal point in the conflict between forces aligned with Yemen’s internationally recognised government and the Houthis, highlighting the strategic importance of the northern governorate.A major counteroffensive has been launched by the Yemeni government army and forces loyal to it to capture the strategic heights east of the provincial capital, al-Hazm, from the Houthis.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3New Yemen fighting displaces 290,000, says UN, with pregnant women at risklist 2 of 3Yemeni government forces seize strategic positions in al-Jawflist 3 of 3Saudi-led coalition intercepts a missile as fighting rages in Yemen’s al-Jawfend of listThe operations are part of Operation Dawn of Yemen, launched by the government last month to reverse Houthi territorial gains and restore state control in the country.Al-Hazm has become a central part of this operation, with the city a potential launchpad for government forces against the Houthis. They have controlled the capital Sanaa and most of northern Yemen since the war broke out in September 2014.Strategic defence linesDuring the 12 years of war in Yemen, control over al-Hazm has shifted several time...