Former UN Security Council advisor on Yemen, Fernando Carvahar, stated that the battle for the port city of Muha is crucial for the next phase of the fighting. The armed forces of the internationally recognized Yemeni government claim to have recently recaptured the city from the Houthis. If the Yemeni government forces can hold the city, it will be a significant signal, as Muha is currently surrounded by Houthi forces on three sides, with the Red Sea on the other. Therefore, it's necessary to wait and see if the government forces can indeed hold the city and use it as a staging point for attacks on other Houthi fronts. Carvahar also expressed hope that Pakistan might attempt to mediate negotiations to end the conflict, but added that the Houthis are only willing to talk to Saudi Arabia. This clearly puts the Yemeni government in a very awkward position, as they will be excluded from any negotiations, which will undoubtedly cost them concessions on the Houthis in the long run.
