A failed offensive by Yemen’s anti-Houthi forces has left questions over command coordination and troop morale after a promised push to retake Sana’a unraveled, resulting in the loss of key territory along the country’s western coast. Military analysts and politicians are scrutinizing reports that billions of dollars were allegedly offered to influence frontline units, raising concerns about loyalty and strategy. With over a dozen brigades defeated, the UN-backed government is now attempting to regroup, focusing on securing the strategically vital Kahbob mountains to limit further Houthi advances toward the Bab al-Mandab strait. The setback has exposed deep divisions in the anti-Houthi coalition as it seeks to stabilize its position amid shifting battlefield dynamics.
Rout raises questions about coordination and morale as some politicians claim billions of dollars were offered to persuade forces to abandon positionA bitter inquest is under way among Yemen’s anti-Houthi forces as to how what was being billed as a decisive assault on Sana’a, the Houthi-controlled capital, suddenly collapsed into a military rout.More than 15 brigades were defeated as the country’s entire west coast fell into Houthi hands. Efforts are now being made to reorganise the anti-Houthi forces representing the UN-recognised Yemeni government in order to capture the Kahbob mountains, a strategic point from which to restrict Houthi forces moving closer to the crucial Bab al-Mandab strait. Continue reading...
