Withdrawal of Yemeni forces strengthens Houthi influence

The Yemeni front witnessed a significant military shift today, Sunday, November 15, 2026, following the announcement by Saudi-backed government forces of their withdrawal from strategic positions overlooking the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the redeployment of their units toward Aden. This move grants the Houthi group greater influence over one of the most important maritime corridors for international trade.

Southern forces, operating within the formations supporting the internationally recognized Yemeni government, announced the execution of a redeployment operation covering the perimeter of Dhubab airport and areas near Bab al-Mandab, west of Taiz Governorate. They justified the decision by prioritizing the security of Aden and neighboring governorates and strengthening defensive lines in the face of increasing military threats.

This withdrawal comes after approximately six weeks of military operations launched by government forces to recapture coastal areas seized by the Houthis last September, as part of an escalation that has reignited combat fronts after years of relative calm.

According to Yemeni military sources cited by Reuters, government forces have repositioned in the Al-Saqia area south of Dhubab, approximately 150 kilometers west of Aden, while continuing their efforts to prevent the Houthis from expanding their control over adjacent coastal areas.

This development is of strategic importance given the geographical location of the Bab al-Mandab Strait, which connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and serves as a vital passage for commercial vessels and oil tankers traveling between Asia and Europe via the Suez Canal.

Economically, the expansion of Houthi military influence on the coasts overlooking the strait could lead to increased security risks for international shipping and higher maritime insurance and freight costs, especially in light of ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, placing two of the region's most prominent maritime corridors under simultaneous pressure.

The withdrawal coincides with intensifying battles in the vicinity of Taiz, where humanitarian conditions have deteriorated due to the ongoing siege and difficulties in delivering aid. Data reported by Reuters indicates that approximately 300,000 people have been displaced due to the latest wave of fighting in Yemen, with nearly half of them located in the city of Taiz.

In a parallel humanitarian development, the International Committee of the Red Cross confirmed the release of approximately 600 detainees held by the Houthis, a move that comes amidst ongoing military confrontations and expanding humanitarian needs for the population.

The field situation reveals increasing pressure on pro-government forces, while the Houthis continue to strengthen their coastal and mountainous positions, although the government withdrawal does not automatically mean the group has total control over maritime traffic within the strait.

The impact of this military shift on international trade remains linked to the field movements witnessed in the coming days, the duration of maritime attacks, and the ability of regional and international parties to prevent Bab al-Mandab from becoming a new flashpoint for disrupting energy supplies and global supply chains.