Saudi-Backed Forces Retreat in Yemen as Houthis Advance Toward Aden

Withdrawal from the coast

The Southern Armed Forces, which are allied with Yemen’s government, announced on Sunday that they were leaving the Red Sea coast. The group said it would redeploy to defend Aden after weeks of combat against Houthi forces over strategic territory.

In its statement, the group cited recent battlefield developments and threats targeting the city as reasons for the move. The forces are backed by Saudi Arabia.

Aden’s political role

Aden has served as the seat of Yemen’s internationally recognized government for more than a decade. The Houthis took control of Sanaa, the country’s capital, before the government’s presence shifted to Aden.

Analysts see setback

The withdrawal weakens the position of Yemen’s government and Saudi Arabia, analysts said, as the balance of power in the civil war tilts toward the Houthis, who are aligned with Iran. Ahmed Nagi, a senior Yemen analyst at the International Crisis Group, said the Houthis were determined to reach Aden. He said they wanted to take control of areas held by the government or the Saudi side.