Yemen's anti-Houthi forces have opened an inquest into how a planned assault on the Houthi-controlled capital of Sana'a collapsed into a military rout, with more than 15 brigades defeated and the country's west coast lost.
Key facts
- More than 15 brigades were defeated in the collapse.
- Yemen's entire west coast fell into Houthi hands.
- Some politicians claim billions of dollars were offered to persuade forces to abandon their positions.
- Efforts are under way to reorganise forces to capture the strategic Kahbob mountains.
A bitter inquest is under way among Yemen’s anti-Houthi forces over how what had been billed as a decisive assault on Sana’a, the Houthi-controlled capital, suddenly collapsed into a military rout, according to the Guardian.
More than 15 brigades were defeated in the collapse, and the country’s entire west coast fell into Houthi hands, the Guardian reported. The scale and speed of the reversal has prompted questions about coordination and morale among the forces representing the UN-recognised Yemeni government.
Some politicians have claimed that billions of dollars were offered to persuade forces to abandon their positions, according to the Guardian, though the report does not detail who allegedly made or received such offers.
Efforts are now being made to reorganise the anti-Houthi forces in order to capture the Kahbob mountains, described as a strategic point from which to restrict Houthi forces from moving closer to the crucial Bab al-Mandab strait.
The Bab al-Mandab strait is a key maritime chokepoint, and control over surrounding territory has been a central concern for the parties involved in Yemen’s long-running conflict, as reflected in the current focus on the Kahbob mountains.
Why it matters
The collapse of a major offensive and the loss of Yemen's west coast marks a significant shift in the country's civil conflict and raises questions about the cohesion of the internationally recognised government's forces. Houthi advances near the Bab al-Mandab strait carry wider implications for a strategic shipping route that global trade depends on.
Frequently asked questions
What happened to Yemen's anti-Houthi forces?
According to the Guardian, a planned assault on the Houthi-controlled capital of Sana'a collapsed into a military rout, with more than 15 brigades defeated and the country's entire west coast falling into Houthi hands.
Why are the Kahbob mountains important?
The Guardian reports that the Kahbob mountains are a strategic point from which anti-Houthi forces hope to restrict Houthi forces from moving closer to the crucial Bab al-Mandab strait.
Why has an inquest been launched?
The inquest is examining how the offensive collapsed so suddenly, raising questions about coordination and morale, with some politicians claiming billions of dollars were offered to persuade forces to abandon their positions.