Breaking updates.
November 15, 2026.
Yemen
The Saudi-backed forces suffered a major retreat across Lahij province, after weeks of clashes with Houthi forces. A senior Yemeni military official told al-Mayadeen that tens of thousands of soldiers from al-Amlika (Giant) brigades and Deira al-Watan forces have withdrawn from large areas of Ras al-Ara and al-Mudharibah. It is reported that Saudi-backed formations, led by the Saudi officer Badr al-Harbi, retreated towards Aden, when hundreds of soldiers, including field commanders, were captured. Yemeni forces have reportedly liberated more than 3,000 square kilometers, including mountain ranges, strategic geographical locations, a central coastal strip and an airport. The operation included missile units, UAVs and air defense forces, and its goal is to secure Bab al-Mandab and protect districts in Taiz governorate. The military source also said that thousands of Saudi airstrikes failed to protect the Saudi-backed forces from defeat.
Houthi forces are reported to have extended their advance along a front about 53 kilometers wide, reaching depths of up to 60 kilometers in some areas since mid-October. Maps released by Bunzerbari showed advances in al-Huta, al-Maqatira and parts of al-Mudharibah and al-Ara, al-Maflahi, al-Musamir and al-Mila districts, along with reports that the Local Political Council (PLC) and Southern Transitional Council (STC) forces in Hej were operationally encircled. It was also reported that Houthi forces took over al-Suqiya, Amnabih and al-Durad from Saudi-backed militias.