Why is Yemen's Taiz so important?

A Houthi victory would mark one of the biggest turning points in the long civil war.

One Essential Read One Essential Read Recommended by Kate Turton, Newsletter Editor Why is the battle for Yemen's Taiz so important?   Buildings stand in the southwestern city of Taiz, Yemen, October 15, 2026. REUTERS/Anees Mahyoub The city of Taiz is rapidly emerging as the most important battlefront in Yemen's reignited civil war, pitting the Iran-allied Houthis against the internationally recognised government, which is backed by a Saudi-led coalition. Houthi forces have encircled Taiz in recent weeks by cutting its main road south to Aden, causing widespread displacement and worsening a humanitarian crisis. We take a closer look at why Taiz is so important. Read the full article   Sponsors are not involved in the creation of newsletters or other Reuters news content. Advertise in this newsletter or on Reuters' website   Reuters One Essential Read is sent three days a week. Think your friend or colleague should know about us? Forward this newsletter to them. They can also sign up here. Want to stop receiving this email? Unsubscribe here. To manage which newsletters you're signed up for, click here. This email includes limited tracking for Reuters to understand whether you’ve engaged with its contents. For more information on how we process your personal information and your rights, please see our Privacy Statement. Terms & Conditions   © 2026 Thomson Reuters. All rights reserved. 3 Times Square, New York, NY 10036