Mohammed Basha, founder and analyst at independent risk firm Basha Report, said
recent Houthi advances on Yemen's west coast reflect battlefield experience and
expose deep divisions among forces opposing them. He said the operation began on
Aug. 9 and lasted about 30 days, with the main ground offensive around Sept. 1.
Houthi fighters mounted small‑unit attacks across multiple fronts, using
mountain routes, ambushes and drone strikes to suppress government positions.
Basha described them as a powerful force and said anti‑Houthi factions
repeatedly underestimated their capabilities. He warned the UN‑recognized
government faces fragmented command and control—eight rival military formations
vying for influence—which makes defeating the Houthis unlikely. He added foreign
military aid will have only limited impact and said the conflict is ultimately a
Yemeni responsibility, not Riyadh's or Washington's.
