Yemeni Forces Withdraw From Positions Near Bab al-Mandeb Strait

Yemeni government-aligned southern forces said they had withdrawn from Dhubab Airport and positions near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, redeploying toward Aden to strengthen its defenses amid rising Houthi pressure. The retreat leaves the Iran-aligned Houthis with greater leverage over the strategic maritime chokepoint, a major route for shipping between Asia and Europe through the Suez Canal. The forces said securing Aden and neighboring areas was the priority, while government officials also pledged to continue efforts to break the siege of Taiz. The withdrawal follows an escalation in fighting after a UN-brokered truce collapsed and a government campaign to retake coastal areas brought Houthi forces close to the strait.