Yemen conflict: BBC has rare access to Taiz

Yemeni government forces backed by Saudi Arabia say they have secured the strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait, as part of a major new offensive against the Iran-backed Houthis.In Taiz, which has become one of the key battlegrounds, residents have been living with the threat of Houthi snipers and artillery around the city. We are joined by BBC journalists who have recently returned from Taiz.

We discuss two stories with our UK politics correspondent Rob Watson: British counter terror police say a 22-year-old has been arrested on suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts in connection with an incident close to RAF Fairford. And reactions to the news of the death of the British bestselling author and former politician Jeffrey Archer, at age 86.

Police and protestors have clashed in several French cities, as nationwide demonstrations take place to call for more investment in schools. We speak to teachers.

Germany's former intelligence chief, August Hanning, has been arrested on suspicion of espionage and attempting to pass state secrets to foreign powers. Our Europe online editor explains.

Presenter: James Reynolds
[Photo: A pro-Saudi-backed Yemeni government fighter fires a vehicle-mounted weapon during what government forces say was an advance against the Iran-backed Houthis, near Dhubab, Taiz Governorate, Yemen, in this still image taken from video released October 5, 2026. Credit: Southern Giants Brigades/Reuters]