Yemen's anti-Houthi forces are conducting an inquest into the sudden collapse of what was intended as a decisive assault on Sana'a, the Houthi-controlled capital. This military rout resulted in the defeat of over 15 brigades and the Houthi capture of the country's entire west coast.
Some Yemeni politicians allege that billions of dollars were offered to persuade forces defending the west coast to abandon their positions. It is thought that as many as 30,000 well-equipped fighters retreated, raising questions about coordination, readiness, and morale.
Efforts are now being made to reorganise the anti-Houthi forces, representing the UN-recognised Yemeni government, with the aim of capturing the Kahbob mountains. This location is considered a strategic point to restrict Houthi forces from moving closer to the Bab al-Mandab strait.
The governor of Hadramaut claimed payments were made, though the source was not identified. Others have drawn conclusions from past links between the United Arab Emirates and the pro-government National Resistance Forces, led by Tareq Saleh.
The Yemeni Nobel peace prize winner Tawakkol Karman has called for an investigation into the events. Saleh's National Resistance Forces stated they made a necessary tactical retreat after the death of 500 soldiers and to prevent encirclement.