The fall of Al-Maqaterah fortress and vast areas of the Al-Maqaterah district in Lahj Governorate to Iran-backed Houthi militia has reignited concerns over consecutive military withdrawals by forces of the Tor Al-Baha axis, led by Abu Bakr Al-Jubouli, a leader in the Yemeni Congregation for Reform (Islah) party. Widespread criticism now accuses the axis leadership of causing the collapse of military positions and the surrender of strategic areas to Houthi militias with minimal resistance.
The capture of Al-Maqaterah follows a series of battlefield setbacks in the western Taiz countryside, Al-Hujariyah, and now Lahj. Activists and local commentators report recurring instances of sudden withdrawals by forces affiliated with the Tor Al-Baha axis. The speed at which these positions crumbled has raised questions about the management of the conflict and the reasons behind the forces' inability to hold their ground, despite reported support, military capabilities, and air cover.
Criticism focuses on the stark contrast between the resilience of fighters in the Taiz city fronts, which have endured Houthi sieges and attacks for years, and the rapid collapse of military positions under the responsibility of the Tor Al-Baha axis. Critics argue that positions held by government forces for extended periods have fallen within days, or even hours, without the circumstances of these withdrawals or the leadership responsibilities being clarified to the public.
Observers believe these repeated setbacks not only result in the loss of military positions but also pave the way for Houthi advances into new areas in the Lahj countryside and regions connecting to the Subayhah and Tor Al-Baha districts. This raises fears of an expanding threat towards the capital, Aden, placing the Presidential Leadership Council and the military command before the responsibility of investigating the causes of the collapse and holding accountable those responsible, should negligence or military violations be proven.
Numerous local activists, commentators, and political figures have voiced sharp criticism against the military leadership overseeing the confrontation fronts. They point to the fall of Al-Maqaterah and previous tactical retreats as evidence of the dangers of continued withdrawals without accountability. Concerns are mounting that if past mistakes are not rectified, other strategic locations could fall sequentially, potentially threatening Aden.
Calls have been made for the immediate impeachment of any commander withdrawing from confrontation sites and for their referral to military courts for investigation and accountability. Furthermore, there are demands to relieve leaders unwilling to engage in combat and to make way for field commanders capable of assuming their responsibilities. Some critics have accused certain military leaders of prioritizing personal interests and investments over their combat duties, arguing that such leaders cannot be relied upon in battles for territorial defense.
The recurring pattern of withdrawals and the surrender of positions in the Taiz and Lahj countrysides have led to direct accusations against Abu Bakr Al-Jubouli, the commander of the Tor Al-Baha axis, for the retreats witnessed in Al-Turbah and Al-Maqaterah. Critics warn that the continuation of this trend could facilitate Houthi advances into other areas, and express strong disapproval of what they describe as the uncharacteristic silence from the legitimate government's leadership regarding these developments. They demand an end to overlooking military failures and the accountability of leaders under whose responsibility repeated setbacks occur.
The escalating concerns highlight the potential for further geographical and military losses if the current situation persists. The fall of these positions is increasingly viewed not merely as a loss of military territory but as a symptom of a deeper crisis of confidence in the performance of certain military leaders and formations. As Houthi forces reportedly advance in areas overlooking supply routes and troops withdraw from strategic heights, attention is focused on the Presidential Leadership Council, the Ministry of Defense, and relevant military commands to take decisive action, provide explanations for the lost positions, account for the fate of withdrawing forces, and assess the readiness of subsequent defensive lines.
