Lahj — Violent clashes broke out on Thursday evening between Yemeni government forces and Houthi militias in Lahj province, southern Yemen, according to local security sources. 

The fighting erupted in several frontlines near the northern districts of Lahj, where Houthi fighters attempted to advance toward government-held positions.

Residents reported hearing intense exchanges of gunfire and artillery shelling, which continued late into the night. 

Military officials confirmed that both sides sustained casualties, though the exact numbers remain unclear. 

The clashes disrupted civilian life in nearby villages, forcing families to seek shelter away from the conflict zones.

The renewed fighting in Lahj comes amid escalating tensions across southern Yemen, as government forces attempt to repel Houthi advances in strategic areas bordering Taiz and Al-Dhalea governorates.

Local authorities stated that reinforcements have been deployed to stabilize the situation and prevent further Houthi infiltration. 

Meanwhile, humanitarian organizations expressed concern about the impact of the clashes on civilians, warning that continued fighting could worsen displacement and restrict access to essential services.

The conflict between the internationally recognized government and the Houthi movement has entered its second decade, with frontlines shifting across northern and southern Yemen. 

Despite repeated international calls for de-escalation, the situation remains volatile, and Lahj has now become another flashpoint in the ongoing war.