Saudi-backed forces make gains in Yemen after ‘liberation’ of Aden

Special to WorldTribune.com

After declaring the key southern port city of Aden “liberated,” militias loyal to Yemen’s leaders in exile and the Saudi-led coalition continued to make gains against Iran-backed Houthi rebels.

Officials say the Shi’ite Houthis were driven out of two military bases on July 18 by southern militiamen of the Popular Resistance backed by Saudi-led coalition air strikes. The most recent gains came a day after the “liberation” of Aden, which was seen as the biggest victory for pro-government forces in months.

Yemeni militiamen celebrate after the "liberation" of Aden.  /AFP/Getty Images
Yemeni militiamen celebrate after the “liberation” of Aden. /AFP/Getty Images

Vice President Khaled Bahah announced that, after the “liberation” of Aden, Yemen’s government is drawing up plans to return from exile in Saudi Arabia.

“The government announces the liberation of the province of Aden on the first day of Eid al-Fitr which falls on July 17,” Bahah said on his Facebook page, referring to the Muslim holiday marking the end of the fasting month of Ramadan.

“From Aden we will regain [control of] all of Yemen,” exiled President Abd Rabbo Mansour Hadi said in a televised speech.

Pro-government forces and local allied fighters on July 18 retook the Labuza army base in Lahj province, north of Aden, and the headquarters of the 117th armored division in eastern Shabwa province some 230 kilometers (145 miles) away.

Officials from the Yemen government are currently in Aden, preparing for the government’s return to the city, although a Houthi official said the rebel group was trying to regain full control and was ready to fight to the death.

Also on July 18, Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (ISIL) claimed to have taken part in the fighting in Aden against the Houthis. ISIL posted images online purporting to show bound Houthi snipers. If confirmed, it would mark the first time ISIL has directly battled the Houthis.

ISIL had previously claimed responsibility for attacks on Houthis in Sanaa, but it was not known to have engaged in direct fighting with the rebels.

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