Anti-Houthi forces backing Yemen’s UN-recognised government are conducting an internal review following a significant military reversal in which more than 15 brigades were defeated and the country’s western coastal region fell under Houthi control. The collapse of what had been positioned as a decisive operation against Sana’a has prompted widespread scrutiny among political leaders and military officials about the causes of the sudden strategic failure.
Political figures have advanced various explanations for the withdrawal, with some Yemeni politicians alleging that substantial financial incentives were offered to persuade defending forces to abandon their positions. Approximately 30,000 well-equipped fighters retreated from the coast, triggering accusations of betrayal from activists and civilians. A political activist from Mocha characterized the early morning withdrawal on a date in mid-September as a significant act of betrayal, noting that opposing forces appeared to mount minimal resistance with only a handful of vehicles remaining in the city. Nobel laureate Tawakkol Karman and other political figures have called for formal investigations into the circumstances.
Military leaders have offered alternative interpretations of events. The National Resistance Forces, led by Tareq Saleh, characterised the movement as a necessary tactical retreat following significant casualties. Saleh indicated he is establishing a new independent formation known as the Tihami Resistance. Military analysts and academics have cited deficiencies including poor command and control communications, intelligence advantages held by opposing forces, and divisions within anti-government military ranks as contributing factors to the outcome.
The Houthis have strengthened their military capabilities substantially over their years controlling major Yemeni regions, developing indigenous weapons production and ballistic missile programs. Iranian officials contend the Houthis maintain an independent command structure and strategic priorities beyond simple proxy status. Military analysts note that the opposition forces face challenges in coordination and trust that extend beyond material or reinforcement solutions.
Both Yemeni government forces and Saudi Arabia are urgently reassessing the strategic implications of the reversal and exploring whether recent Houthi territorial gains can be reversed. Experts have indicated that reversing the situation will require fundamental reorganisation of anti-Houthi forces under unified operational command rather than simply deploying additional military resources.
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