Cookies and weapons: Women in Yemen’s Taiz find ways to help the city’s defence

As Houthi forces tighten their siege of Taiz, women who first baked cookies for fighters on the front lines are now raising money to buy weapons and ammunition. The spontaneous initiatives began after fighting resumed in early September in the governorate’s western countryside, between forces of Yemen’s internationally recognised government and the Houthis. Activist Amira al-Saghir said the campaign also aimed to strengthen ties between local residents and soldiers defending a city subjected to daily shelling. People from districts and villages across the governorate are also contributing food and other basic necessities for the fighters.