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Saudi-Backed Forces in Yemen Retreat From Red Sea as Houthis Advance
Saudi-backed forces in Yemen said they were withdrawing from the Red Sea coast to defend Aden, a move that signals a setback for the internationally recognised government as Houthi forces advance. Analysts say the retreat reflects the Houthis’ growing advantage in the civil war and the government’s failure to retake territory near a crucial shipping route.
The Southern Armed Forces said redeploying would also help them try to break the Houthi siege of Taiz, which has restricted food, fuel and water supplies for more than a month. The Houthis took the port city of Mokha and land beside the Bab al-Mandab Strait in September, after renewed fighting began in July; government counter-offensives have made limited gains. Yemen’s 2022 truce did not lead to a lasting peace, and the country remains divided between Houthi rule in much of the north and a government whose southern and eastern areas are controlled by various armed groups.
In short
- Saudi-backed forces are leaving Yemen’s Red Sea coast.
- Houthi advances have prevented the government from retaking Bab al-Mandab.
- The forces say they will defend Aden and help relieve Taiz.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The redeployment can be defended as a practical response to an advancing Houthi force: protecting Aden and trying to relieve Taiz may matter more immediately to civilians and the government’s survival than holding exposed positions on the Red Sea coast. Concentrating forces could also make a later, more effective defence possible, particularly after counter-offensives produced only limited gains.
The case against
Leaving the coast risks surrendering territory near a vital international shipping route and strengthens the Houthis’ military and political position. Critics could argue that abandoning these positions weakens the internationally recognised government, leaves communities more exposed to Houthi control and may make it harder to relieve Taiz or recover lost ground later.
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