[SouthFront] At least 150 members of Saudi-backed forces have defected to the Houthis (formally known as Ansar Allah) as the Saudi-led coalition and its allies are on retreat in central Yemen. According to reports, the defected fighters were members of the so-called 6th Brigade led by Tariq Saleh as the Sixth Brigade. Units of the 6th Brigade are currently deployed in some areas near al-Hudaydah.
| Defected as in deciding to switch sides, or defected as in surrounded, surrendered, and given a choice as to keeping their heads firmly attached? |
Recruiting is recruiting, whether obeying a notice in the mail or at the point of a gun.
| Heaven only knows. Here’s a tweet on the subject that does not answer the question: |
These people are not entirely stupid. When things start going to kak for the home team, they tend to migrate to the winning side. "Not getting killed really is the key to the retirement program.
Meanwhile back at the oasis, heavy clashes between the Houthis and Saudi-backed forces once again erupted in the Madghal area and east of Sarwah. Pro-Saudi fighters tried to advance on the Houthi positions there, but their attack was repelled.
The general situation in central Yemen for the Saudi-led coalition and its proxies remains critical and pro-Houthi sources claim that the defense of Saudi-led forces is about to collapse. Regardless of this, the recent gains by the Houthis in fact pose a direct threat to the provincial capital of Marib.
More at the link, including maps
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