Yemeni Government Forces Withdraw from Bab al-Mandeb to Fortify Defenses in Aden

Forces affiliated with Yemen’s internationally recognised government are withdrawing from territories near the Bab al-Mandeb strait to prioritize the defense of Aden, the interim capital, against the Houthi armed group.

A spokesman for the Southern Armed Forces, an ally of the Saudi-backed Yemeni government, announced on Sunday that troops are redeploying from Dhubab airport and surrounding areas of Bab al-Mandeb in southwestern Yemen. The spokesman stated that this strategic shift is intended to secure Aden and neighboring governorates, strengthen front lines, and address immediate threats.

This redeployment increases the likelihood of Houthi advances toward the southern coast, where the internationally recognised government has been based since being driven from Sanaa over a decade ago. Additionally, reinforcements will be dispatched to attempt to break the Houthi siege of Taiz, where fighting has intensified to the west of the city.

Humanitarian conditions in Taiz, Yemen’s third-largest city, continue to deteriorate as aid supplies are blocked and civilians remain trapped. The city currently hosts approximately half of the 300,000 people displaced since the collapse of the 2022 ceasefire this summer.

The Houthi armed group, also known as Ansar Allah, seized significant territory along the western coast in September. This latest announcement may indicate a setback for the government's counteroffensive launched in September to reclaim lost ground. While the counteroffensive successfully recaptured key positions around the strait, including Dhubab, it failed to push Houthis out of Mocha and other coastal areas.

In response, the Houthis have intensified drone and missile attacks on Saudi Arabia, targeting energy facilities and grounding flights. On Sunday, the Saudi-led coalition reported shooting down two drones over the Mecca region, though the Houthis have not commented on the attack.

Houthi forces have also captured highland areas north of Aden and claim to be preparing for an advance on the city. Meanwhile, Majid Al-Nazili, a spokesman for the Yemeni government forces, has urged the international community to help restore government control over Bab al-Mandeb and the west coast, emphasizing the strait's critical importance for international trade and maritime navigation.

Separately, the International Committee of the Red Cross announced on Sunday that the Houthis, with its support, have unilaterally released 600 prisoners related to the armed conflict.