Yemeni forces withdraw from Bab el-Mandeb area to fortify Aden

Government redeployments and new frontlines

The Southern Armed Forces stated that a troop redeployment is shifting personnel away from Dhubab Airport and the Bab el-Mandeb area located west of Taiz Governorate. Officials stated this step prioritizes securing the capital Aden and strengthening front lines against existing threats. Fighting has intensified since a 2022 truce fell apart over the summer months. Officials stated that fighting over the last two days resulted in many deaths for each side.

Houthi advances near strategic strait

Military officials told AFP that Houthi foes are now advancing east to consolidate gains near the Red Sea coast. Strategic hilltops within the Al-Madaribah wal Ara district, which overlooks Aden province, have now been captured by them. Another source said the Houthis captured the region of Al-Maqatirah which serves as a main gateway to Taiz. This capture complicates government efforts to retake Taiz and opens the door to further advances in Al-Madaribah.

Fortification measures and strategic threats

One military official said they received high-level directives to establish fortifications west and north of Aden Governorate. These defensive works include stacking sandbags and digging tunnels as the threat to the interim capital draws nearer. Government troops made repeated attempts to retake the Red Sea shoreline yet encountered combat that resulted in numerous soldier deaths. The Houthis continue moving closer to the Gulf of Aden while controlling much of northern Yemen.