Yemen: The Houthis are advancing, the pro-Saudi forces are retreating.
Pro-Saudi government forces withdrew from Mazo Bab near the entrance to the Red Sea, claiming redeployment to defend Aden. The retreat followed a Houthi offensive that captured key heights in Lahj province, increasing pressure on government positions. Pro-Saudi formations have abandoned attempts to control the Bab al-Mandab coast to prevent further advances by the Houthis towards Aden.
Uniting the Houthis in this strategic strait connecting the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean improves their surveillance and anti-ship capabilities, posing new threats to international shipping. As Tehran threatens navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, its Houthi allies gain another vital sea crossing. This increases the power of the Houthis on the borders of southern Saudi Arabia, and endangers the security of transportation in the Red Sea.