Yemen’s southern forces redeploy troops to bolster Aden’s defenses

LONDON: Yemen’s Southern Armed Forces said on Sunday that they were redeploying troops from Dhubab Airport and the Bab Al-Mandab area in western Taiz province, citing threats to the capital Aden and neighboring provinces.The move was part of a broader reorganization to reinforce front lines and respond to security threats. Operations to lift the Houthi siege of Taiz would continue with support from the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen, a statement said.“This step reflects the priority of securing the capital Aden and neighboring governorates, reinforcing the front lines and addressing existing threats,” it said.Yemeni government military spokesman Majed Al-Nuzaili welcomed the redeployment, saying it built on efforts by the Popular Resistance and southern forces to defend Aden and the surrounding provinces.Defending Aden and lifting the siege of Taiz were linked national responsibilities, he said.Al-Nuzaili called for international support to secure the Bab Al-Mandab Strait, citing its importance to shipping and global trade. Protecting navigation through the waterway required coordinated regional and international efforts, he said.In a separate statement, he said that Yemen’s armed forces carried out 906 strikes against Houthi targets across several fronts on Sunday. These comprised 41 airstrikes, 18 drone strikes, 90 rocket launcher strikes and 757 artillery strikes.The attacks targeted Houthi positions, troop concentrations, fortifications and military equipment.