Yemeni government forces withdraw from Bab el-Mandeb Strait

On November 15, 2026, forces loyal to the internationally recognized, Saudi-backed Yemeni government announced their withdrawal from territory overlooking the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait. This retreat hands control of a critical maritime chokepoint to the Iran-backed Houthi rebels, who already control much of northern Yemen, including the capital, Sanaa.

The Bab el-Mandeb Strait serves as a vital artery for global trade, connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and facilitating the movement of commodities between Asia and Europe via the Suez Canal. By controlling this passage, the Houthis gain significant leverage over international shipping. This development occurs alongside ongoing Iranian maritime disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, effectively creating a dual threat to Gulf oil producers and their primary export routes.

Southern Yemeni forces stated that the withdrawal is part of a military redeployment toward Aden, the current seat of the internationally recognized government, in response to intensified Houthi pressure on southern territories. No immediate timeline for further military engagements or international interventions has been announced, leaving the security status of the shipping lane in a state of high uncertainty.