Houthi forces in Yemen have advanced to within 60 kilometres of Aden, the seat of the country's internationally recognised government, military and government sources said Sunday. The embattled government earlier announced it was pulling back its last forces from the Bab el-Mandeb Strait to defend its temporary capital on the southern coast of Yemen.
Issued on: 15/11/2026 - 20:28Modified: 15/11/2026 - 20:34
Yemen's Houthis have advanced to about 60 kilometres (40 miles) away from Aden city, the interim seat of the internationally recognised government, military and government sources told AFP on Sunday.
Four military sources within government forces and two government sources told AFP the Houthis had seized control of the Al-Maqatirah and Al-Madaribah districts and were advancing towards Aden.
They said the Houthis were positioned at the Al-Kharaz camp in Al-Madaribah, 60 kilometres from the city.
Earlier on Sunday, the government – which is backed by a Saudi-led military coalition – announced a redeployment of its forces from areas near the Bab el-Mandeb strait, completing their withdrawal from there.
The troops were instead redeployed to reinforce forces "where current circumstances require", with securing Aden and nearby provinces the priority.
Military officials told AFP on Friday that government forces had begun erecting sandbag defences and digging tunnels around Aden as the Houthis pressed southwards.
