Yemen’s anti-Houthi forces launch inquest into sudden military collapse
Rout raises questions about coordination and morale as some politicians claim billions of dollars were offered to persuade forces to abandon position
TL;DR
- An inquest is underway among anti-Houthi forces regarding the collapse of an assault on Sana'a and the loss of the west coast.
- More than 15 brigades were defeated, with allegations that billions of dollars were offered to persuade forces to abandon their positions.
- Questions are being raised about coordination, readiness, and morale among the anti-Houthi forces.
- Some politicians claim financial incentives were used to cause the retreat, with speculation involving the United Arab Emirates and the National Resistance Forces.
- Yemeni Nobel laureate Tawakkol Karman and activist Abdu Mukabib have called for investigations, with Mukabib describing the withdrawal as a betrayal.
- Saleh's National Resistance Forces claim a tactical retreat was necessary, though the Houthis captured their headquarters.
- Explanations for the reverse include poor command and control, Houthi intelligence, and divisions within anti-Houthi forces.
- The Houthis have become a more sophisticated military, using drones and developing indigenous weapon manufacturing.
- The Yemeni government and Saudi forces are reviewing lessons learned to assess if the Houthi gains can be reversed.
- Experts suggest regaining initiative requires reorganizing forces under a unified vision, addressing security gaps, and building trust.