The government-aligned forces in Yemen announced a strategic withdrawal after their counteroffensive in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait ended in near encirclement by Houthi fighters.
The government’s southern military units launched a major counteroffensive in the Bab el-Mandeb region, only to find themselves on the verge of being surrounded by Houthi forces by the end of the operation.
On the 15th, a statement was issued by the southern armed faction under the Yemeni government, stating that due to recent developments along the frontline—including ongoing threats from Houthi forces targeting Aden and neighboring provinces—the faction would withdraw from Zubaib Airfield and the Bab el-Mandeb area in western Ta’iz Governorate and reposition its forces accordingly.
In essence, a key component of the Yemeni government’s military apparatus has retreated from the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Zubaib Airfield region—located in southwestern Ta’iz Governorate near the eastern shore of the Red Sea, this airfield is a strategically significant military installation.
The situation unfolded over several days. Around November 11, Houthi forces launched a sudden southward advance from the al-Lahij Governorate, threatening the southern coastline of Yemen. By November 15, they had captured Mount Haraz in southern Yemen and deployed anti-tank missiles on its slopes, enabling attacks on government forces retreating along the coastal highway.
This means that Houthi forces now control a contiguous stretch from the island of Perim to Mount Haraz, forming a nearly complete cordon—though not fully closed, the sole land corridor remains within range of Houthi fire.
According to open-source intelligence, while the government has officially declared a withdrawal, some government-aligned forces have not yet fully evacuated the besieged area. They continue to receive supplies via small boats and may sustain operations for a limited period.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1881919404784652/
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