Investigation into Military Collapse of Forces Fighting Houthis in Yemen
Following the defeat of more than 15 brigades on Yemen's western coast and the region falling into the hands of the Houthis, anti-Houthi forces have launched a comprehensive investigation amid debates over bribery and tactical withdrawal allegations.
With the operation targeting Yemen's capital, Sana'a, turning into a sudden military rout, a fierce internal investigation is underway among anti-Houthi forces. Following the major setback on the country's western coast, the control of strategic points and the reasons behind the retreat of thousands of fighters are being questioned.
Sudden Military Collapse on the Western Coast
Forces fighting the Houthis in Yemen have launched an urgent investigation following an unexpected military rout during a planned decisive offensive targeting the capital, Sana'a.
As a result of the clashes, more than 15 brigades were defeated, while the entire western coast of the country fell completely under Houthi control.
Financial Allegations and Withdrawal Debates
Some Yemeni politicians claimed that units defending the western coast were offered billions of dollars to abandon their positions.
While the source of the payment was not specified in these claims raised by the governor of Hadramaut, various evaluations are being made based on past ties between the United Arab Emirates and the National Resistance Forces led by Tareq Saleh.
Condition of Troops and Strategic Concerns
The retreat of approximately 30,000 well-equipped fighters has raised serious questions about coordination, preparedness levels, and morale among the forces.
Representing the UN-recognized Yemeni government, anti-Houthi forces are carrying out reorganization efforts to capture the strategic Kahbob mountains in order to stop the Houthis approaching the Bab el-Mandeb strait.
Reactions and Tactical Defense Explanations
Nobel Peace Prize laureate Tawakkol Karman called for a comprehensive investigation into the incident, while activist Abdu Mukabib described the withdrawal from Mocha as a major betrayal.
Tareq Saleh's National Resistance Forces stated that a mandatory tactical withdrawal was carried out to prevent 500 soldiers from losing their lives and to avoid a siege, while announcing the establishment of the independent Tihami Resistance.