Yemeni government forces withdraw from Bab el-Mandeb Strait to secure Aden

Yemeni government forces withdrew from Dhubab Airport and the Bab el-Mandeb area west of Taiz Governorate on November 15, 2026. The Southern Armed Forces announced the redeployment to secure the capital, Aden, and neighboring provinces while strengthening current front lines. This strategic movement follows recent territorial shifts in the coastal region.

Houthi rebel advances

The government withdrawal follows significant territorial gains by Houthi rebels in the region. On November 13, 2026, Houthi rebels seized the port city of Mocha and Zukar island. These developments follow a period of movement in the south, with Houthi rebels advancing southward during September 2026. The current shift in control follows a six-week government counteroffensive that began in October 2026 to reclaim various coastal areas.

Houthi rebels currently maintain control over much of northern Yemen. This territory includes the capital, Sanaa, and the most populous regions of the country. The conflict in Yemen has escalated significantly following the breach of a 2022 UN-brokered truce. International observers describe the recent escalation as a new front within the broader regional tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.

Strategic maritime importance

The Bab el-Mandeb Strait serves as a critical maritime chokepoint for global shipping. This waterway connects the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The strait is vital for international trade routes traveling from Asia to Europe via the Suez Canal. Control over this area has significant implications for global maritime security and shipping stability.

Muamar el Erjani, the Yemeni Minister of Information, provided details regarding the situation. Previous government control of the strait was noted by officials before the recent redeployment. The decision to move forces from the Dhubab Airport and the Bab el-Mandeb area represents a shift in the military strategy of the Yemeni government as it seeks to protect major urban centers like Aden.

The military situation remains fluid as the Southern Armed Forces reposition their assets. The redeployment is intended to bolster the defense of the capital and adjacent provinces. This move occurs as Houthi rebels continue to consolidate their hold on key coastal locations and northern territories.

Glossary

• Bab el-Mandeb — Bab el-Mandeb is a strait that serves as a critical maritime chokepoint for global shipping. This waterway connects the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
• Houthi rebels — Houthi rebels are a group that currently maintains control over much of northern Yemen. They have recently made significant territorial gains in the coastal region.
• Sanaa — Sanaa is the capital of northern Yemen. It is part of the territory currently maintained by Houthi rebels.