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Yemeni forces backed by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are currently preparing to attack the last positions of the Houthis (Ansar Allah) in the Yemeni province of Shabwah.
The forces, led by the UAE-backed Giant Brigades, launched a large-scale operation, dubbed “Southern Storm,” to expel the Houthis from the Shabwah in the beginning of the year.
In the first phase of the operation, which was concluded on January 2, Saudi and UAE-backed forces captured the district center of Usaylan.
The second phase of the large-scale operation came to an end on January 7 with the capture of the district center of Bayhan.
Currently, the Houthis are holding on to their last positions in Shabwah which are located in the district of Ain. Late on January 7, the Giants Brigades gave the Houthis a final warning. The group was asked to withdraw from the district within six hours.
#Yemen:#Shabwah #البيضاء #شبوة#YNA & Giant Brigades took control over Mawqis, Ubayyah, Jahrabah, Ghaniyah & Malyab & entered in #Bayda governorate. On the other hand 2 axis were opened:
– Towards Ain district center.
– Towards Harib from highway taking control over Ţaraf Sāq. pic.twitter.com/ufeWN39M4Q— @Suriyak (@Suriyakmaps) January 8, 2022
The Giants Brigades sustained heavy losses in Shabwah. On January 8, the commander of the Giants 3rd Brigade, Col. Magdy Radfani, was killed along with some of his fighters by the Houthis. Radfani was the second commander of the group to be killed in the battle. On January 4, Houthi fighters killed Col. Samih Jarada, commander of the Giants’ 2nd Brigade, along with a number of his fighters.
The attack on Ain will likely begin soon. The Houthis may opt to withdraw their remaining fighters in Shabwah to more fortified positions in the neighboring province of Ma’rib.
