Yemeni government forces redeploy from Bab al-Mandeb to defend Aden

Forces affiliated with Yemen’s internationally recognised government say they are withdrawing from territory near the Bab al-Mandeb strait to focus on defending the interim capital, Aden, from the Houthi armed group. A spokesman for the Southern Armed Forces, a group allied with the Saudi-backed Yemeni government, said on Sunday that it was redeploying from Dhubab airport and areas around Bab al-Mandeb in southwestern Yemen. “This step is taken based on the priority of securing the capital, Aden, and the neighbouring governorates, as well as strengthening the front lines and addressing existing threats,” the spokesman said.