Yemen's Houthis Close In on Aden as Government Pulls Forces Back to Defend Interim Capital

Houthi forces in Yemen have pushed to within about 60 kilometres (40 miles) of Aden, the interim seat of the country's internationally recognised government, military and government sources said on Sunday.

Four military sources within government forces and two government sources told AFP that the Houthis had taken control of the Al-Maqatirah and Al-Madaribah districts and were advancing towards the city. The sources said the Houthis were positioned at the Al-Kharaz camp in Al-Madaribah, roughly 60 kilometres from Aden.

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 its withdrawal from the strategic waterway on the country's southern coast.

The troops are being sent to reinforce units "where current circumstances require", with securing Aden and nearby provinces described as the priority.

Military officials said on Friday that government forces had already begun erecting sandbag defences and digging tunnels around Aden as the Houthis pressed southwards.

Officials said the Houthis have made gains on the ground by seizing strategic positions in the Maqatera district and large parts of Al-Madhariba and Al-Arah, the largest districts in Lahj province in southwestern Yemen.

The advance follows repeated Houthi attacks on Aden in recent weeks, including an assault on October 15 that targeted the presidential palace and left four people dead, according to government military sources. The Houthis previously launched an unsuccessful bid to seize the city early in the war in 2015.

Along the road between Aden and Lahj, dozens of buildings lie destroyed following fierce battles between the Houthis and local resistance groups, which have received air support from the Saudi-led coalition.