Yemen’s government forces have announced Sunday the withdrawal from the area near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, with the goal of focusing on protecting their main base in Aden.

This development represents a blow to the Saudi Arabia-backed campaign against the rebels Houthi, who are backed by Iran, transmits Telegraph.

The announcement signals the possible conclusion of the government’s six-week counteroffensive, aimed at retaking the coast near the Red Sea entrance. This area was taken over by Houth in September during a rapid advance affecting oil exports.

The withdrawal of government forces could pave the way for new Houthites’ breakthroughs towards Adden, while pointing to the difficulties Saudi Arabia is facing in efforts to halt attacks with fear and rockets on its territory.

Government forces have been deployed in Aden, on the south coast of Yemen, since 2015, when Houth took over the capital Sana.

The Yemenite advances, as well as their attacks on Saudi Arabia and ships on the Red Sea in recent months, have strengthened Iran’s position in the broader Middle East conflict, launched by the United States and Israel in February.

Southern Armed Forces announce the implementation of a troop reposition operation by Dhubab Airport and the area of Bab el-Mandeby, west of the province of Taizı, said in the declaration of the main military force fighting in support of the Yemenian government in the south of the country.

This step is taken with the safety of the capital Aden and neighbouring provinces as well as the strengthening of front lines and facing existing threats, the statement further states.

So far, Houth and Saudi Arabia, the world government’s leading international ally, have not responded to the withdrawal announcement. /Telegraphy/