Yemen government forces withdraw near Bab el-Mandeb Strait, leaving Houthis in control

Forces fighting for Yemen's internationally recognised government said on Sunday that they were withdrawing from an area overlooking the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, leaving the Iran-aligned Houthis in control. The southern forces said they were redeploying toward Aden, where the government is based, as the Houthis increase pressure on southern areas still under government control.

The strait is one of the world's busiest routes for seaborne trade, particularly between Asia and Europe via the Suez Canal. The retreat gives the Houthis greater leverage over the chokepoint, while Iran continues to disrupt traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

Government forces had launched an offensive in October to recapture coastal areas. Fighting is intensifying around Taiz, which remains besieged, with aid supplies unable to enter.