The construction of tunnels and trenches on the sides of the roads that the Houthis announced opened near the Republican Palace in Taiz raised concerns among the people, who were hoping that the situation would ease and the roads would be opened between the Al-Hawban area, which is controlled by the Houthis, and the city of Taiz, which is under the control of the Yemeni government.

Citizens said that building trenches and tunnels and pouring them with concrete raises residents’ fears about the Houthis’ intentions to prepare for an upcoming war, and to use these tunnels in the city that has been exhausted by the siege for eight years.

After the announcement of the reopening of the roads, the people were optimistic about the improvement of the situation, but the construction of these tunnels dampened their joy and revealed the true intentions of the Houthis.

The people of Taiz view these movements with concern, and call on the international community and human rights organizations to monitor the situation and ensure that the opening of roads is not exploited for military purposes, which increases their suffering and deepens the humanitarian crisis in the city.

The Houthis announced the opening of roads in Taiz after a siege for years. The government welcomed it, and both parties worked to remove obstacles and mines, but they have not been opened until now due to the dense barricades and mines.