The Yemeni government, led by the President of the Leadership Council, Rashad Al-Alimi, is striving to regain full control of the country from the Houthis by leveraging support from southern groups, former Emirati forces, and other Islamic groups. This military operation, aimed at retaking the Red Sea coastal areas recently captured by the Houthis, has recently begun and is particularly focused on the port city of Mocha and the surrounding areas of the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
Developments on the Battlefield
The Yemeni government has announced that it has successfully retaken the port city of Mocha and the surrounding areas of the Bab al-Mandab Strait, although the Houthis have denied this claim and still maintain control over most of western Yemen. In recent weeks, clashes have primarily concentrated in the central Marib and southwestern Taiz provinces. Recent reports indicate that the Houthis are increasingly approaching the siege of the city of Taiz, which is under government control.
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Gathering of Saudi-Supported Forces
The Yemeni government coalition, as a collection of various groups, mainly supported by Saudi Arabia, includes groups from the Leadership Council, southern activists, and former government forces from before the civil war. The National Shield forces, established in 2023 and operating directly under the command of Rashad Al-Alimi, are actively participating in these operations. These forces are deployed throughout Yemen and have also been present in recent clashes in Mocha.
Alongside them, the Southern Giants Brigades, established in 2016, are fighting particularly in the Taiz and Lahij regions. These groups, initially supported by the UAE, are now collaborating with the Saudi government and are continuously participating in recent battles.
Yemeni National Forces and Challenges Ahead
The Yemeni National Forces, including army members who remained loyal to the government after the Houthis took control of Sana'a in 2014 and 2015, are recognized as one of the key forces in northern Yemen. Meanwhile, the Yemeni Emergency Forces have also been active along the border with Saudi Arabia since 2025. Additionally, the National Resistance Forces led by Tariq Saleh, established in 2017, are striving to return to the battlefield and strengthen their positions.
However, the southern separatist forces, which were previously affiliated with the Southern Transitional Council (STC), are currently facing serious challenges and are gradually coming under the command of the Leadership Council. These groups are particularly present in Al-Dhale'e province and have been weakened due to recent defeats in December 2025 and January 2026.
Ultimately, given the diversity of the present forces and their differing approaches, the Yemeni government faces multiple challenges in regaining full control over the country. These conflicts not only affect the humanitarian situation in Yemen but will also impact regional and international equations.
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