Can fractured pro-government forces stop the Houthi advance in Yemen?

On 3 September, Houthi forces launched a heavy offensive against Yemen's internationally recognised government in the southern Hodeidah districts of Hays and Al-Khawkha, as well as the western Taiz districts of Jabal Habashi, Maqbana, Mowza’a, and Al-Wazeyaha. These areas form a crucial geographic corridor that connects the mountainous highlands of Taiz to the coastal plain along the Red Sea. Government forces initially repelled the attacks across both governorates, halting the Houthi advance toward Mocha for nearly a week - however, on Wednesday night, Houthi fighters launched a rapid assault from southern Hodeidah and western Taiz, capturing Mocha in a single night. Government units - including the National Resistance Forces (NRF), the Nation’s Shield Forces (NSF), and the Giants Brigades (Al-Amaliqah) - attempted to push back, but were ultimately seen retreating from Mocha toward Bab al-Mandab and Lahj governorate. Read more: Can fractured pro-government forces stop the Houthi advance in Yemen?