The Iranian-backed Houthi forces have made major territorial gains in southern Yemen, advancing to within 60 kilometers of Aden, the capital of the internationally recognized government of Yemen.
Saudi-backed Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) forces have announced their withdrawal from Dubab airport and positions overlooking the strategic Bab al-Mandab strait, and are redeploying towards Aden to bolster its defenses. The Houthi fighters moved to abandoned positions, returned to the airport in Dubab and expanded their control along the coast of the Red Sea.
The Houthis also carried out additional captures around Ras al-Ara, Khor al-Omayra and al-Sukiya.
The developments mark a major setback for Saudi Arabia's six-week counteroffensive, and increase the Houthis' influence on one of the world's most important shipping corridors.
Meanwhile, a Houthi missile strike on a checkpoint in Laji province killed 8 people and wounded 12, as government forces fortified Aden against a possible further advance.