What is happening in Yemen?
The Houthis are doing well, while government forces are struggling.
Saudi-backed government forces announced their withdrawal from the Zubayd area, located near the entrance to the Red Sea.
The official reason is the need to redeploy forces to protect Aden, which remains the main stronghold of the Yemeni government.
The withdrawal took place against the background of an attack by the Houthis. In recent weeks, they have captured several important peaks in Lahij district and increased the pressure on the positions of government forces.
As early as October, pro-Saudi forces tried to regain control of the Bab al-Mandab beach. Now, they are retreating again to prevent further Houthi advances towards Aden.
Bab al-Mandab Strait connects the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean through the Gulf of Aden. It is a major shipping route between Europe and Asia.
The growing power of the Houthis in this area poses additional threats to international shipping. Controlling coastal positions allows them to expand their ability to monitor maritime traffic and use anti-ship weapons.
As Tehran threatens shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, the Houthis it supports are strengthening their positions near another strategic sea crossing.
Therefore, Saudi Arabia (and following it, the United States and the entire Western world) is facing a further strengthening of the Houthis near its southern borders, and the security of maritime transport through the Red Sea is under further threat. If the Houthis succeed, Iran will gain control over world trade, energy resources and basically everything.