View source for Battle of Aden (2015)

{{Short description|Battle of the Yemeni Civil War}}
{{Other uses|Battle of Aden (disambiguation){{!}}Battle of Aden}}
{{Infobox military conflict
|conflict    =Battle of Aden
|partof      =the [[Yemeni Civil War (2014–present)]] and<br>the [[Saudi Arabian-led intervention in Yemen]]
| image       = Aden, Yemen Port.jpg
| image_size = 330
|caption     =View of Aden from the sea
|date        =25 March – 22 July 2015<br>({{Age in years, months, weeks and days|month1=03|day1=25|year1=2015|month2=07|day2=22|year2=2015}})
|place       =[[Aden]], [[Yemen]]
|map_type    = Yemen
|map_relief  = yes
|coordinates = {{coord|12.8|45.033333}}
|map_size    = 290px
|map_caption =
|map_label   =
|territory   =
|result     = Decisive Hadi-led government and coalition victory
|combatant1={{flag|Yemen}} <small>([[Houthis|Houthi government]])</small><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/143295/asher-orkaby/houthi-who|agency=Foreign Affairs|title=Houthi Who?|first=Asher|last=Orkaby|date=25 March 2015|access-date=25 March 2015}}</ref>
*{{flagicon image|Houthis Logo.png}} [[Houthis|Houthi fighters]]
*{{flagicon image|Yemeni Armed Forces Emblem.svg}} [[Republic of Yemen Armed Forces|Security Forces]] <small>(pro-[[Ali Abdullah Saleh|Saleh]])</small>
*{{flagicon image|Yemeni Republican Guard Flag.svg}} [[Republican Guard (Yemen)|Republican Guard]]
|combatant2={{flag|Yemen}} <small>([[Cabinet of Yemen|Hadi-led government]])</small>
*{{flagicon image|Yemeni Armed Forces Emblem.svg}} [[Republic of Yemen Armed Forces|Security Forces]] <small>(pro-[[Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi|Hadi]])</small>
*[[People's Committees (Yemen)|People's Committees]]
*[[Popular Resistance (Yemen)|Popular resistance]]
*[[Southern Movement]]
{{flag|Saudi Arabia}}
*[[Saudi Arabian Army|Special Forces]] (alleged)<ref name="cnn.com">{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2015/04/03/middleeast/yemen-saudi-forces/index.html|agency=CNN|title=Saudi special forces help oppose Houthi rebels in Yemen, source says|date=3 April 2015|access-date=3 April 2015}}</ref>
{{flag|United Arab Emirates}}<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-a-e-takes-lead-in-leaderless-southern-yemen-1440967029| title=U.A.E. Takes Lead in Leaderless Southern Yemen| work=Wall Street Journal}}</ref>
----
{{Collapsible list
|bullets =yes
|title = [[2015 military intervention in Yemen|Air and naval support]]
|{{flag|Saudi Arabia}}<ref name="nytimes.com">{{cite news|agency=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/26/world/middleeast/al-anad-air-base-houthis-yemen.html|title=Saudi Arabia Begins Air Assault in Yemen|newspaper=The New York Times |date=25 March 2015|access-date=25 March 2015|last1=Mazzetti |first1=Mark |last2=Kirkpatrick |first2=David D. }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/yemens-houthi-militants-take-al-anad-air-base-1427275251?mod=e2tw|title=Saudi Arabia Launches Military Operations in Yemen|author=Felicia Schwartz, Hakim Almasmari and Asa Fitch|date=26 March 2015|work=Wall Street Journal|access-date=5 March 2017|archive-date=24 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200224163604/https://www.wsj.com/articles/yemens-houthi-militants-take-al-anad-air-base-1427275251?mod=e2tw|url-status=dead}}</ref> <small>''(leader)''</small>
|{{flag|Bahrain}}<ref name="offensive">{{cite news|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/saudi-arabia-has-150000-troops-for-yemen-operation-report/article23628188/|agency=the globe and mail|title=Egypt, Jordan, Sudan and Pakistan ready for ground offensive in Yemen: report|date=26 March 2015|access-date=26 March 2015}}</ref>
|{{flag|Egypt}}<ref name="offensive"/><ref name="cnn">{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2015/03/25/middleeast/yemen-unrest/|agency=CNN|title=Saudi Arabia launches airstrikes in Yemen|date=26 March 2015|access-date=25 March 2015}}</ref>
|{{flag|Jordan}}<ref name="offensive"/>
|{{flag|Kuwait}}<ref name="offensive"/>
|{{flag|Morocco}}<ref name="offensive"/>
|{{flag|Qatar}}<ref name="offensive"/>
|{{flag|Sudan}}<ref name="offensive"/>
|{{flag|United Arab Emirates}}<ref name="offensive"/>

}}
|commander1={{flagicon|Yemen}} [[Mohammed Ali al-Houthi]]<br/>{{flagicon|Yemen}} [[Hussein Khairan]]<br/>{{flagicon image|Houthis Logo.png}} [[Abdul-Malik al-Houthi]]<br/>{{flagicon image|Houthis Logo.png}} [[Ali al-Shami (Yemeni militant)|Ali al-Shami]]<br>{{flagicon image|Yemeni Republican Guard Flag.svg}} [[Ali Abdullah Saleh]]<br/>{{flagicon image|Houthis Logo.png}}  [[Abdul Khaliq Al Houthi]]{{POW}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenational.ae/world/yemen-militia-claims-to-have-captured-houthi-leader-s-brother-1.11845|title=Yemen militia claims to have captured Houthi leader's brother|website=The National|date=26 July 2015 }}</ref>
|commander2={{flagicon|Yemen}} [[Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi]] <small>(in exile)</small><br>{{flagicon|Yemen}} Gen. [[Aidarus al-Zoubaidi]]<br/>
{{flagicon|Yemen}} Colonel Mohammed Hussein Al-Khaili Al-Shaibi <br/>
{{flagicon|Yemen}} Gen. [[Shallal Ali Sha'ya]] <br/>
{{flagicon|Yemen}} Gen. [[Muthanna Jawas]]<br><small>([[Special Security Forces (Yemen)|SSF]] commander)</small><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.yementimes.com/en/1866/news/4954/Standoff-continues-over-position-of-SSF-commander-in-Aden.htm |title=STANDOFF CONTINUES OVER POSITION OF SSF COMMANDER IN ADEN |access-date=2015-05-06 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150626184820/http://www.yementimes.com/en/1866/news/4954/Standoff-continues-over-position-of-SSF-commander-in-Aden.htm |archive-date=2015-06-26 |url-status=dead }}</ref><br>{{flagicon|Yemen}} Maj. Gen. [[Jaafar Mohammed Saad]]<ref name="kathmandu">{{cite news|work=The Kathmandu Post|url=http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2015-12-06/blast-kills-yemen-city-governor.html|title=Blast kills Yemen city governor|date=6 December 2015|access-date=6 December 2015}}</ref><br>{{flagicon|Yemen}} Brig. Gen. Saif al-Baqri<ref name="80yemenis"/><br>{{flagicon|Yemen}} Brig. Gen. Ali Nasser Hadi{{KIA}}<ref name="80yemenis">{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security-aden-idUSKBN0NR1BF20150506|title=At least 80 Yemenis killed in Aden violence: rescue workers|newspaper=Reuters |date=May 6, 2015|via=www.reuters.com}}</ref>
----
{{flagicon|Gulf Cooperation Council}} [[Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani]]<br>{{flagicon|Saudi Arabia}} [[Salman of Saudi Arabia|King Salman]]
|strength1=
|strength2=
|casualties1=380–396 killed<ref>9 killed (28 March),[https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-03-29/forces-loyal-to-yemen-s-hadi-seize-aden-airport-official-says] 10 killed (3 April),[http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/04/fighting-intensifies-streets-aden-150403221148819.html] 13 killed (4 April),[https://m.hindustantimes.com/world/coalition-bombards-yemen-rebels-drops-more-arms/story-ct9Q9MtEdluNMXvuYBafnI.html] 36 killed (5 April),[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security-aden-idUSKBN0MW07K20150405] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924215139/http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/04/05/us-yemen-security-aden-idUSKBN0MW07K20150405 |date=2015-09-24 }} 6–22 killed (7 April),[http://www.businessinsider.com/afp-18-dead-in-yemen-fighting-as-saudi-led-warships-shell-rebels-2015-4] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181209212620/http://www.businessinsider.com/afp-18-dead-in-yemen-fighting-as-saudi-led-warships-shell-rebels-2015-4 |date=2018-12-09 }}[https://www.zawya.com/story/Fighting_in_central_Aden_mosques_call_for_jihad_residents-TR20150408nL5N0X515NX2/] 17 killed (8 April),[https://web.archive.org/web/20150418020920/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2015-04/09/c_134134798.htm] 6 killed (10 April),[http://www.theborneopost.com/2015/04/12/25-dead-in-latest-clashes-in-southern-yemen/] 13 killed (11 April),[http://www.businessinsider.com/afp-fresh-aid-reaches-yemen-capital-as-clashes-rage-in-south-2015-4] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181224073907/http://www.businessinsider.com/afp-fresh-aid-reaches-yemen-capital-as-clashes-rage-in-south-2015-4 |date=2018-12-24 }} 32 killed (16–17 April),{{cite web |url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/871660/at-least-76-dead-in-yemen-air-raids-fighting/ |title=At least 76 dead in Yemen air raids, fighting - the Express Tribune |access-date=2015-04-26 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150418075100/http://tribune.com.pk/story/871660/at-least-76-dead-in-yemen-air-raids-fighting/ |archive-date=2015-04-18 }} 11 killed (18–19 April),[http://nation.com.pk/international/20-Apr-2015/saudi-led-strikes-kill-85-in-yemen] 5 killed (22 April),[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security-idUSKBN0NC2LD20150423] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150423053811/http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/04/23/us-yemen-security-idUSKBN0NC2LD20150423 |date=2015-04-23 }} 46 killed (25 April),[http://www.outlookindia.com/news/article/south-yemen-clashes-raids-kill-more-than-90/893610] 9 killed (28 April),[http://www.globalpost.com/article/6530900/2015/04/28/20-dead-rebels-advance-heart-yemens-aden] 29 killed (30 April),[http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2015/May-01/296507-un-warns-on-yemen-aid-as-47-killed-in-aden.ashx] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181223163908/http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2015/May-01/296507-un-warns-on-yemen-aid-as-47-killed-in-aden.ashx |date=2018-12-23 }} 18 killed (2 May),[https://web.archive.org/web/20151221132753/http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-yemen-security-strikes-idUKKBN0NM3MS20150502][http://www.worldbulletin.net/todays-news/158614/pro-hadi-fighters-seize-yemens-aden-airport] 5 killed (4 May),[http://uatoday.tv/politics/five-reported-killed-in-latest-saudi-led-aistrikes-against-yemen-425215.html] 30 killed (6 May),[https://web.archive.org/web/20200616215325/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-yemen-security-aden/at-least-80-yemenis-killed-in-aden-violence-rescue-workers-idUKKBN0NR1BR20150506] 40 killed (28 May),[http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2015/May-29/299706-coalition-strikes-fighting-kill-40-rebels-in-yemens-aden.ashx] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160417090403/http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2015/May-29/299706-coalition-strikes-fighting-kill-40-rebels-in-yemens-aden.ashx |date=2016-04-17 }} 15 killed (29 May),[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security-idUSKBN0OE2D320150530] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151002041413/http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/05/30/us-yemen-security-idUSKBN0OE2D320150530 |date=2015-10-02 }} 13 killed (3 July),[http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/07/yemen-battle-rages-air-strikes-intensify-sanaa-150703113901823.html] 17 killed (9 July),[http://www.outlookindia.com/news/article/36-rebels-killed-in-south-yemen-attacks-air-strikes/906035] total of 380–396 reported killed</ref>
|casualties2=215 killed<ref name="100day"/><ref name="185dead"/>
|casualties3=858 civilians killed (256 by disease; pro-Hadi claim)<ref name="100day">{{Cite web|url=http://www.yemenpost.net/Detail123456789.aspx?ID=3&SubID=8093&MainCat=3|title=858 civilians killed in 100-day war in Adenchlamydia test kits click early signs of chlamydia- Yemen Post English Newspaper Online|website=www.yemenpost.net}}</ref><br>783 civilians and pro-Hadi fighters killed (U.N. claim)<ref name="185dead">{{Cite web|url=http://news.yahoo.com/least-185-dead-battle-yemens-aden-medics-092212359.html|title=At least 185 dead in battle for Yemen's Aden: medics|website=news.yahoo.com}}</ref><ref name="no14">{{Cite web|url=http://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/OCHA%20Yemen%20Humanitarian%20Emergency%20Situation%20Report%20No.%2016.pdf|title=Yemen: Humanitarian Catastrophe Situation Report No. 16}}</ref><br>590 deaths from [[dengue fever]] (U.N. claim)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/OCHA%20Yemen%20Situation%20Report%20No%2013%20issued%20on%2030%20June%202015.pdf|title=Yemen: Humanitarian Catastrophe Situation Report No. 13}}</ref>
| campaignbox ={{Campaignbox Yemeni Crisis}}
}}
The '''Battle of Aden''' was a nearly four-month battle in 2015 for the control of [[Aden]], [[Yemen]], between [[Houthis]] rebels and [[Yemen Army]] forces loyal to [[Ali Abdullah Saleh]] on one side, and [[Yemen Army]] units loyal to [[Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi]] and [[Southern Movement]] militias on the other side.

The battle began on 25 March 2015, as pro-Saleh troops seized control of [[Aden International Airport]] and Hadi fled the country by boat. On 16 July the pro-Hadi forces again seized control of Aden port and were moving into the city's commercial center.<ref name="Mohammed Mukhashaf">{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security-aden-idUSKCN0PP16I20150715|work=Reuters|title=Saudi-backed Yemen forces take Aden port from Houthis: residents|author=Mohammed Mukhashaf|date=16 July 2015|access-date=16 July 2015|archive-date=28 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151128192557/http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/07/15/us-yemen-security-aden-idUSKCN0PP16I20150715|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Glen Carey">{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-07-16/saudi-backed-forces-in-yemen-battle-to-take-districts-in-aden|agency=Bloomberg|title=Saudi-Backed Forces in Yemen Claim Victories in Aden Battle|author= Glen Carey|date=17 July 2015|access-date=17 July 2015}}</ref> On 22 July, pro-Hadi forces had retaken full control of Aden, and the Aden Airport was reopened.<ref name="reopened" /> In late July, an offensive launched by pro-Hadi forces drove Houthi forces out of the towns neighboring Aden.<ref name="offensive" />

==Background==
{{Main|Southern Yemen offensive (2015)}}
{{See also|Aftermath of the Houthi takeover in Yemen|Battle of Aden Airport}}
The Houthis, allegedly with the support of former president Ali Abdullah Saleh, took control of the Yemeni government in a [[Houthi takeover in Yemen|takeover]]. President Hadi was placed under virtual house arrest, but after a month, he managed to escape to his hometown of Aden in [[South Yemen|Yemen's south]].<ref name="unconst">{{cite news|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/02/yemen-leader-hadi-leaves-sanaa-weeks-house-arrest-150221090018174.html|publisher=Al Jazeera|title=Yemen's Hadi says Houthis decisions unconstitutional|date=21 February 2015|access-date=21 February 2015}}</ref>

After [[Battle of Aden Airport|fighting over the airport]] broke out in Aden on 19 March<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/03/19/aden-presidential-palace-bombed_n_6901722.html|agency=The Huffington Post|title=Warplanes Bomb Presidential Palace In Yemen's Aden|date=19 March 2015|access-date=31 March 2015|first=Hamza|last=Hendawi}}</ref> and [[Sana'a]] was hit by a [[March 2015 Sanaa mosque bombings|suicide bombing attack]] the following day, the Houthi [[Revolutionary Committee (Yemen)|Revolutionary Committee]] formed to govern the country after the coup declared a state of "general mobilisation".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.yementimes.com/en/1870/news/4994/Southerners-prepare-for-Houthi-invasion.htm|title=SOUTHERNERS PREPARE FOR HOUTHI INVASION|first=Khalid|last=Al-Karimi|date=23 March 2015|access-date=25 March 2015|agency=Yemen Times|archive-date=20 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181120015109/http://www.yementimes.com/en/1870/news/4994/Southerners-prepare-for-Houthi-invasion.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> With the support of some army elements, the Houthis launched a [[Southern Yemen offensive (2015)|military offensive]] to take control of the south and defeat Hadi's holdouts. Yemen's third city of [[Taiz]] fell with little resistance,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/03/22/houthi-yemen-fighting_n_6918306.html|agency=The Huffington Post|title=Houthis Seize Strategic City In Yemen, Escalating Power Struggle|date=22 March 2015|access-date=25 March 2015}}</ref> followed by [[Lahij]] and the strategic [[Al Anad Air Base]] north of Aden.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/26/world/middleeast/al-anad-air-base-houthis-yemen.html?_r=0|title=Yemen Air Base Formerly Used by U.S. Forces Is Seized by Houthi Rebels|newspaper=The New York Times |date=25 March 2015|access-date=26 March 2015|agency=NYtimes|last1=Mazzetti |first1=Mark |last2=Kirkpatrick |first2=David D. }}</ref>

==Battle==
===Fighting begins===
On 25 March, fighting spread to Aden, as army units loyal to Saleh captured [[Aden International Airport]] and a nearby airbase after clashes with pro-Hadi Southern Movement fighters.<ref name="closein">{{cite news|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-yemen-security-idUKKBN0ML0YM20150325|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181125053558/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-yemen-security-idUKKBN0ML0YM20150325|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 25, 2018|first=Sami|last=Aboudi|title=Allies of Yemen Houthis seize Aden airport, close in on president|work=Reuters|date=25 March 2015|access-date=25 March 2015}}</ref> The airport suspended all flights.<ref>{{cite news|language=fr|url=http://www.lorientlejour.com/article/917523/yemen-fermeture-de-laeroport-daden-pour-des-raisons-de-securite-source-aeropotuaire.html|title=Yémen : fermeture de l'aéroport d'Aden pour des raisons de sécurité (source aéropotuaire)|agency=L'Orient Le Jour|date=25 March 2015|access-date=25 March 2015}}</ref> Civilians stormed an army base in central Aden in an attempt to seize weapons, leaving five dead and 12 wounded.<ref name="closein"/> Houthi fighters [[southern Yemen offensive (2015)|pressing from the north]] reached the outskirts of the port city.<ref name="push">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-32216854|agency=BBC News|title=Yemen crisis: Rebels push into central Aden|date=8 April 2015|access-date=8 April 2015}}</ref>

Hadi fled Aden by boat. His whereabouts were not known until 26 March, when he landed in [[Saudi Arabia]] hours after the kingdom began an [[2015 military intervention in Yemen|air campaign]] to defeat the Houthis.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/03/26/hadi-saudi-riyadh_n_6948558.html|agency=The Huffington Post|title=Saudi Arabia: Yemen's President Hadi Arrives In Saudi Capital Riyadh|date=26 March 2015|access-date=7 April 2015}}</ref>

By 27 March, Houthi and allied army units had encircled Aden, taking control of all land routes into and out of the city.<ref>{{cite news|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security-seaboard-idUSKBN0MN21620150327|title=Yemen Houthi forces gain first foothold on Arabian Sea - residents|date=27 March 2015|access-date=27 March 2015|first=Noah|last=Browning|archive-date=28 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150328063953/http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/03/27/us-yemen-security-seaboard-idUSKBN0MN21620150327|url-status=live}}</ref> However, warplanes from the Saudi-led coalition began to bedevil the Houthis as they moved their heavy armour and vehicles toward Aden, with airstrikes halting a convoy from [[Shuqrah]] early on 28 March.<ref name="staffflee">{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security-idUSKBN0ML0YC20150328|work=Reuters|title=Diplomats and U.N. staff flee Yemen as Houthis target Aden|date=28 March 2015|access-date=28 March 2015|archive-date=28 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150328060358/http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/03/28/us-yemen-security-idUSKBN0ML0YC20150328|url-status=live}}</ref>

Also on 28 March, several people were killed in a series of explosions at an arms depot in Aden, amid looting by residents after the depot's guards abandoned their posts.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/03/fresh-saudi-led-strikes-hit-houthi-targets-yemen-150328224634577.html|agency=Al Jazeera|date=29 March 2015|access-date=28 March 2015|title=Fresh Saudi-led strikes hit Houthi targets in Yemen}}</ref> By this point, the death toll in Aden, since fighting in the city started, had reached 75 people.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lepoint.fr/monde/yemen-aden-en-proie-a-l-anarchie-28-03-2015-1916678_24.php|title=Yémen : Aden en proie à l'anarchie|first=Le Point|last=magazine|date=March 28, 2015|website=Le Point}}</ref>

===Clashes intensify===
[[File:Battle of Aden 2015 (Houthi attack).svg|thumb|left|Map of the pro-Houthi attack on Aden {{leftlegend|#CDEBC9|Houthi control}} {{leftlegend|#EDC4BE|Pro-Hadi control}}]]
Clashes in Aden continued on 29 March, as fighting continued in northern Aden and the Houthis pushed into central Aden.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/clashes-continue-yemens-aden-saudis-vow-continue-airstrikes-1237969720|publisher=middleeasteye|title=Clashes continue in Yemen's Aden as Saudis vow to push on with airstrikes|date=30 March 2015|access-date=30 March 2015}}</ref> Forces loyal to Hadi reportedly retook [[Aden International Airport]], with nine Houthi fighters and five pro-Hadi fighters among the dead.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-03-29/forces-loyal-to-yemen-s-hadi-seize-aden-airport-official-says|agency=Bloomberg|title=Yemen Forces Loyal to Hadi Seize Aden Airport From Houthis|date=29 March 2015|access-date=1 April 2015}}</ref>

The Houthis and Saleh-loyal military units continued their attack on Aden on 30 March, firing artillery and rockets against the city near the Alam roundabout and attempting to advance deeper into it.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/middle-east/heavy-fighting-in-yemen-s-aden-as-houthis-approach-from-east-1.2158597|agency=Irish Times|title=Heavy fighting in Yemen's Aden as 'Houthis approach from east'|date=30 March 2015|access-date=30 March 2015}}</ref> Houthis fighters reportedly came under fire from [[Egypt]]ian warships, which shelled their positions from off the southern coast.<ref name="shell">{{cite news|url=http://www.trust.org/item/20150330141004-371fq/?source=search|agency=Thomson Reuters Foundation|title=Warships shell Houthis outside Yemeni city of Aden -witnesses|date=30 March 2015|access-date=30 March 2015|archive-date=14 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150714182348/http://www.trust.org/item/20150330141004-371fq/?source=search|url-status=dead}}</ref> At least two airstrikes forced them to retreat toward [[Zinjibar]], and the Popular Committees loyal to Hadi held their ground.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/airstrikes-shake-yemens-capital-shiite-rebels-push-south-30000813|agency=ABC News|title=Yemeni Rebels Shell Aden as Saudi Launches More Airstrikes|date=30 March 2015|access-date=30 March 2015|first=Ahmed|last=Al-Haj}}</ref> Saudi planes also struck near [[Aden International Airport]]. At least 36 were killed by shelling and airstrikes, with 26 dying in artillery fire on the [[Khormaksar]] district of Aden, including 10 in a residential building reportedly taken over by fighters loyal to Hadi.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.smh.com.au/world/dozens-killed-as-yemens-houthis-shell-aden-saudi-jets-bomb-airport-20150331-1mccn3.html|agency=The Sydney Morning Herald|title=Dozens killed as Yemen's Houthis shell Aden, Saudi jets bomb airport|date=31 March 2015|access-date=31 March 2015}}</ref>

Houthi fighters retook parts of [[Aden International Airport]] and clashed with pro-Hadi fighters across the city on 1 April. Even so, an aide to Hadi expressed confidence that the Aden government could defeat the ground assault without the help of foreign troops if the Houthis' supply lines were cut. Houthi positions at the airport were reportedly shelled by coalition warships.<ref name="rages">{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-03-31/yemen-rebels-seize-base-near-shipping-lane-as-saudis-target-aden|agency=Bloomberg|title=Saudi Coalition Hits Houthi Stronghold as Aden Battle Rages|date=31 March 2015|access-date=1 April 2015}}</ref> Later, Houthi and allied Army units advanced in a tank column into Aden's [[Khormaksar]] district and the city center, where they battled with pro-Hadi troops and local residents for control.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-yemen-security-idUKKBN0MP0LZ20150401|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306222554/http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-yemen-security-idUKKBN0MP0LZ20150401|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 6, 2016|title=Yemen Houthi fighters backed by tanks reach central Aden|date=April 1, 2015|via=uk.reuters.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/02/world/middleeast/dozens-of-civilians-die-in-yemen-as-factory-is-hit.html?_r=0|agency=The New York Times|title=Rebels in Yemen Battle for Control of Strategic Port City|newspaper=The New York Times |date=1 April 2015|access-date=1 April 2015|last1=Al-Batati |first1=Saeed |last2=Fahim |first2=Kareem }}</ref>

===Battle for central districts===
The following day, Houthi and allied fighters took control of the central Crater neighbourhood, backed by tanks and armored vehicles.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-yemen-security-idUKKBN0MP0LZ20150402|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161130111724/http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-yemen-security-idUKKBN0MP0LZ20150402|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 30, 2016|work=reuters|title=Houthi forces in Aden pull back after air strikes|date=2 April 2015|access-date=2 April 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security-fighting-idUSKBN0MT0RG20150402|work=reuters|title=Yemen's Houthis fighting in central Aden: residents|date=2 April 2015|access-date=2 April 2015|archive-date=27 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150927172944/http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/04/02/us-yemen-security-fighting-idUSKBN0MT0RG20150402|url-status=live}}</ref> They also took control of the presidential palace,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-32157994|title=Yemen crisis: Rebels storm presidential palace in Aden|date=2 April 2015|access-date=2 April 2015}}</ref> although overnight air raids prompted them to make a tactical withdrawal.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/world/yemen-rebels-quit-aden-palace-after-air-raids-senior-official_1572403.html|agency=Zee News|title=Yemen rebels quit Aden palace after air raids: Senior official|date=3 April 2015|access-date=2 April 2015}}</ref> The Houthis temporarily retreated from the Crater district as well, losing two tanks and 10 fighters.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/04/fighting-intensifies-streets-aden-150403221148819.html|title=Fighting intensifies in the streets of Yemen's Aden|date=3 April 2015|access-date=3 April 2015|agency=Al Jazeera}}</ref> Coalition planes airdropped weapons and medical aid to Aden's defenders.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/saudis-airdrop-arms-to-aden-defenders-houthis-pull-back/article1-1333664.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150405005828/http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/saudis-airdrop-arms-to-aden-defenders-houthis-pull-back/article1-1333664.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 5, 2015|agency=Hindustan Times|title=Saudis airdrop arms to Aden defenders, Houthis pull back|date=3 April 2015|access-date=3 April 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2015/04/04/middleeast/yemen-saudi-forces-houthis-al-qaeda/|agency=CNN|title=Immediate ceasefire needed in Yemen, Red Cross says|date=4 April 2015|access-date=5 April 2015}}</ref>

However, on 5 April, the Houthi advance resumed. The group again retook central neighbourhoods and bombarded others,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-32188017|agency=BBC News|title=Yemen conflict: Houthi rebels make gains in Aden|date=5 April 2015|access-date=5 April 2015}}</ref> but were pushed back when they attempted to move toward the city's port. According to a pro-Hadi militia, 36 Houthi and allied fighters were killed in clashes in Aden's Mualla district, while 11 pro-Hadi fighters died. A medic said Houthi snipers took up positions on rooftops in the area.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security-aden-idUSKBN0MW07K20150405|work=Reuters|title=Dozens killed in fighting near Yemen's Aden port|first=Mohammed|last=Mukhashaf|date=5 April 2015|access-date=5 April 2015|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924215139/http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/04/05/us-yemen-security-aden-idUSKBN0MW07K20150405|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 6 April, the Houthis and allied army units made their largest push yet, attacking holdouts in the Mualla district. Pro-Hadi fighters claimed three hostile tanks destroyed overnight, but the Houthis deployed additional tanks to the area by morning. Medical facilities in the city were reportedly overwhelmed, bodies cluttered the streets, and a number of buildings were set on fire.<ref name="fiercefighting">{{cite news|url=http://www.chron.com/news/world/article/Pakistan-says-Saudi-led-coalition-in-Yemen-wants-6180919.php|agency=Houston Chronicle|title=Fierce fighting as rebels move on holdouts in Yemen's Aden|date=6 April 2015|access-date=6 April 2015|archive-date=6 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150406215725/http://www.chron.com/news/world/article/Pakistan-says-Saudi-led-coalition-in-Yemen-wants-6180919.php|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Red Cross warned of a "catastrophic" humanitarian situation as fighting continued. Eighteen died in fighting overnight into 7 April, with 53 killed over the previous 24 hours.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.news24.com/World/News/Red-Cross-Situation-in-Yemens-Aden-catastrophic-20150407|agency=News24|title=Red Cross: Situation in Yemen's Aden 'catastrophic'|date=7 April 2015|access-date=7 April 2015|archive-date=7 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190407232506/https://www.news24.com/World/News/Red-Cross-Situation-in-Yemens-Aden-catastrophic-20150407|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Dozens of Houthi fighters and allied troops pushed into the [[Crater (Aden)|Crater]] district on 8 April, backed by a tank and two armoured vehicles. Residents said three arms depots under the control of the Houthis or pro-Saleh troops were bombed by aircraft in northern Aden on the same day. [[Sunni Islam|Sunni]] mosques in the city reportedly called residents to ''[[jihad]]'' against the city's attackers.<ref name="push"/> The push into Crater was reportedly mostly repulsed by mid-afternoon, and Houthi fighters were also cleared from some northern neighbourhoods.<ref name="medical">{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security-idUSKBN0MY1TL20150408|work=Reuters|title=Yemen's Houthis battle over central Aden, first medical aid arrives|first=Mohammed|last=Mukhashaf|date=8 April 2015|access-date=8 April 2015|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924215220/http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/04/08/us-yemen-security-idUSKBN0MY1TL20150408|url-status=live}}</ref> As fighting persisted, Saudi-led coalition warships blasted Houthi positions from offshore on 10 April. The extent of the damage from the naval bombardment was not immediately clear.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.worldbulletin.net/news/157706/coalition-warships-strike-houthis-in-yemens-aden|agency=World Bulletin|title=Coalition warships strike Houthis in Yemen's Aden|date=11 April 2015|access-date=11 April 2015}}</ref> [[Reuters]] reported on 11 April that two [[Quds Force]] officers from [[Iran]] were captured in separate districts by militiamen defending the city from the Houthis.<ref name="iranian">{{cite news|url=http://www.newsweek.com/yemen-militia-claims-iranians-captured-321734|agency=Newsweek|title=Yemeni Militiamen Claim Capture of Iranian Military Officers|date=11 April 2015|access-date=11 April 2015}}<br/>{{cite news |last=Mukhashaf |first=Mohammed |date=11 April 2015 |title=Yemeni militiamen say captured two Iranian officers in Aden |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security-airstrikes-idUSKBN0N207I20150411 |newspaper=Reuters |access-date=11 April 2015 |archive-date=1 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151001090143/http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/04/11/us-yemen-security-airstrikes-idUSKBN0N207I20150411 |url-status=live }}</ref> By 13 April, the presidential palace complex was once again under Houthi control, but being hit by air-strikes.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://zeenews.india.com/news/world/un-security-council-to-vote-on-yemen-huthi-resolution_1578348.html|title=UN Security council to vote on Yemen Huthi resolution|date=April 14, 2015|website=Zee News}}</ref>

On 14 April, after prolonged clashes, Houthi fighters withdrew from Aden's [[Khormaksar]] district—the location of the international airport and foreign missions.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security-idUSKBN0N50TF20150414|work=Reuters|title=Iran puts forward Yemen peace plan as Houthis suffer battlefield setbacks|date=14 April 2015|access-date=14 April 2015|archive-date=1 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151001092027/http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/04/14/us-yemen-security-idUSKBN0N50TF20150414|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author1=MOHAMED MUKASHAF|title=Egypt and Saudi Arabia discuss manoeuvres as Yemen battles rage|url=http://www.thestar.com.my/News/World/2015/04/15/Fighters-in-southern-Yemen-say-pushing-back-Houthis/|access-date=15 April 2015|publisher=Star Publications}}</ref>

Coalition warships bombarded Houthi-occupied buildings as fighting raged in the Mualla, Crater, and Buraiga districts on 18 April. Fighting in the Buraiga district centered on control of the city's only [[Oil refinery|refinery]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/foreign/19-Apr-2015/30-killed-in-fighting-between-hadi-s-forces-houthis-in-yemen-s-taiz |agency=Daily Times |title=30 killed in fighting between Hadi's forces, Houthis in Yemen's Taiz |date=19 April 2015 |access-date=19 April 2015 |url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150422022227/http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/foreign/19-Apr-2015/30-killed-in-fighting-between-hadi-s-forces-houthis-in-yemen-s-taiz |archive-date=22 April 2015 }}</ref>

On 17 April, pro-Hadi fighters from Lahj and [[Al Anad Air Base]] launched an assault towards the south<ref name="priority">{{Cite web|url=https://worldview.stratfor.com/article/yemen-anti-houthi-operations-confront-forceful-opposition|title=In Yemen, Anti-Houthi Operations Confront Forceful Opposition|website=Stratfor}}</ref> and gained ground along the coastline from Houthi and pro-Saleh forces by 19 April, allowing them to assault the airport, which was still in the militants' hands.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.foxnews.com/world/2015/04/19/fighting-airstrikes-hit-across-yemen-as-saudi-arabia-pledges-aid/|agency=Fox News|title=Fighting, airstrikes hit across Yemen as Saudi Arabia pledges aid|date=19 April 2015|access-date=19 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150419160105/http://www.foxnews.com/world/2015/04/19/fighting-airstrikes-hit-across-yemen-as-saudi-arabia-pledges-aid/|archive-date=2015-04-19|url-status = dead}}</ref> Pro-Hadi forces also recaptured the Russian consulate and a Hadi residence.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://news.yahoo.com/clashes-between-yemen-rebels-president-allies-kill-21-075459207.html|title=Yemen rebel leader vows resistance against Saudi-led air war|website=news.yahoo.com}}</ref> As of 20 April, Hadi forces reportedly also seized the airport.<ref name="priority"/>

On 28 April, Houthi forces, that took up positions at the University of Aden and the hospital in the Khormaksar district,<ref name="priority"/> advanced in the area and captured Hadi's family home and the German and Russian consulates.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.globalpost.com/article/6530900/2015/04/28/20-dead-rebels-advance-heart-yemens-aden|title=20 dead as rebels advance in heart of Yemen's Aden}}</ref> Just north of the peninsula, they also pushed west in an attempt to retake territory previously lost.<ref name="priority"/> The next day, the Houthis advanced towards the city center.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://wkzo.com/news/articles/2015/apr/29/houthis-advancing-into-yemens-aden-kill-12-civilians-residents/|title=Heavy fighting in Yemen, Saudi Arabia trains tribal fighters|first=Midwest Communications|last=Inc|website=WKZO|access-date=2020-08-08|archive-date=2016-03-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160321142813/http://wkzo.com/news/articles/2015/apr/29/houthis-advancing-into-yemens-aden-kill-12-civilians-residents/|url-status=dead}}</ref> A large shopping mall in Khormaksar reportedly caught fire amid fighting as the Houthis advanced through the neighbourhood, repulsing counter-attacks there and in the Mualla district. Eyewitnesses told the [[Associated Press]] that the Houthi fighters and their allies searched house to house in Khormaksar, dragging some men out onto the street and shooting them, while warning residents by loudspeaker against harbouring anti-Houthi fighters.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/yemen-rebels-allies-advance-southern-city-aden-30671835|agency=ABC News|title=Yemen Rebels and Allies Advance in Southern City of Aden|first=Ahmed|last=Al-Haj|date=29 April 2015|access-date=29 April 2015}}</ref>

On 6 May, Houthi forces captured the Tawahi district,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ksl.com/article/34532008/yemen-shiite-rebels-take-neighborhood-in-aden-occupy-palace|title=Yemen Shiite rebels take neighborhood in Aden, occupy palace|website=www.ksl.com}}</ref> but were later reportedly expelled from the area. The fighting killed pro-Hadi Brigadier General Ali Nasser Hadi, who was then replaced by Brigadier General Saif al-Baqri.<ref name="80yemenis"/> Houthi shells also struck a boat loaded with refugees attempting to flee Aden on 6 May, killing 40.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security-idUSKBN0NR0QH20150506|work=Reuters|title=Over 120 die in Yemen as Houthis take key Aden district|date=6 May 2015|access-date=11 May 2015|archive-date=9 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150509040123/http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/05/06/us-yemen-security-idUSKBN0NR0QH20150506|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Anti-Houthi counteroffensive===
[[File:Battle of Aden 2015 (Hadi attack).svg|thumb|Map of pro-Hadi counterattack {{leftlegend|#CDEBC9|Houthi control}} {{leftlegend|#EDC4BE|Pro-Hadi control}}]]
On 14 July, pro-Hadi militia in Aden retook Aden International Airport and cleared the Khormaksar district of Houthi rebels following the collapse of a humanitarian truce.<ref>{{cite web|title=Saudi-backed forces seize Aden airport: exiled government |url=http://ca.reuters.com/article/topNews/idCAKCN0PO1WC20150714?pageNumber=3&virtualBrandChannel=0 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180401144739/https://ca.reuters.com/article/topNews/idCAKCN0PO1WC20150714?pageNumber=3&virtualBrandChannel=0 |url-status = dead|archive-date=2018-04-01 |website=ca.reuters.com |access-date=2015-07-14 }}</ref> As a result, this left the Houthis trapped in  the peninsula.<ref>{{cite web |title=In Yemen, anti-rebel forces in south take over key Aden airport |date=14 July 2015 |url=http://www.ctvnews.ca/world/in-yemen-anti-rebel-forces-in-south-take-over-key-aden-airport-1.2468498 |access-date=2015-07-14}}</ref> By 16 July pro-Hadi forces had retaken large parts of the port area of [[Yemen Ports Authority|Mualla]] near Aden and entered the commercial district of [[Crater (Aden)|Crater]].<ref name="Glen Carey"/> On July 17, pro-Hadi militias and the government in exile said that they had "liberated" Aden from the Houthis. Despite that, the Houthis still controlled the Eastern and Northern entrances to the city and pockets of fighting were reported.<ref>{{cite news |title=Yemen: Aden 'liberated' from rebels, exiled leader says - BBC News |work=BBC News |date=17 July 2015 |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-33563190 |access-date=2015-07-17}}</ref> Anti-Houthi forces continued to press on with their offensive by capturing two military bases, one of them in the Lahij Province and the other in the eastern Shabwa province.<ref>{{cite news |title=Anti-Houthi forces advance in Yemen amid heavy Arab air strikes |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security-idUSKCN0PS08T20150718 |newspaper=Reuters |date=2015-07-18 |access-date=2015-07-18 |archive-date=2015-10-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151014171436/http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/07/18/us-yemen-security-idUSKCN0PS08T20150718 |url-status=live }}</ref> According to [[Medecins Sans Frontieres]], retreating Houthis killed about 100 people in a single mortar barrage.<ref>{{cite news |title=Yemen: A bitter home-coming for Yemen's exiled government |url=https://www.economist.com/news/middle-east-and-africa/21659578-fall-aden-saudi-led-coalition-does-not-presage-peace-any-time-soon-bitter |access-date=23 July 2015 |newspaper=[[The Economist]] |date=21 July 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Death toll from Houthi shelling near Aden doubles to nearly 100, mainly civilians |url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/07/21/world/death-toll-houthi-shelling-near-aden-doubles-nearly-100-mainly-civilians/ |access-date=23 July 2015 |work=AP |publisher=THE JAPAN TIMES |date=21 July 2015 |archive-date=24 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150724011233/http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/07/21/world/death-toll-houthi-shelling-near-aden-doubles-nearly-100-mainly-civilians/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

After the last Houthi forces were driven from the city, the first aircraft to land at Aden’s reopened airport, on July 22, was a Saudi military transport bringing aid, weapons and the commander of the [[Royal Saudi Navy|Saudi navy]].<ref name="reopened">{{cite news |title=Iran and Saudi Arabia: Proxies and paranoia |url=https://www.economist.com/news/middle-east-and-africa/21659759-kingdom-fears-resurgent-iran-sanctions-come-proxies-and-paranoia |access-date=26 July 2015 |newspaper=[[The Economist]] |date=25 July 2015}}</ref>

==Aftermath==
On 30 July, anti-Houthi forces launched an offensive outside of Aden and drove the Houthis from Muthalath al-Ilm, the Ya'wala, Al-Basateen, and Qariat al-Falahi neighbourhoods, and clashed with Houthi fighters in the Lahij province.<ref name="outskirts">{{cite news |title=Yemeni forces seize Houthi positions on Aden outskirts: local officials |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security-idUSKCN0Q41RY20150730 |newspaper=Reuters |date=2015-07-30 |access-date=2015-07-31 |archive-date=2015-08-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150803024814/http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/07/30/us-yemen-security-idUSKCN0Q41RY20150730 |url-status=live }}</ref> The militias captured more territory from the Houthis on the following day, including the town of Houta with support from the Saudi airstrikes.<ref>{{cite web |title=Yemen's Houthis suffer more setbacks near Aden-southern sources |url=http://ca.reuters.com/article/topNews/idCAKCN0Q51UD20150731?pageNumber=1&virtualBrandChannel=0 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150927133248/http://ca.reuters.com/article/topNews/idCAKCN0Q51UD20150731?pageNumber=1&virtualBrandChannel=0 |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 27, 2015 |website=ca.reuters.com |access-date=2015-07-31}}</ref>

On 3 August, Hadi loyalists, backed by Saudi and UAE ground forces, advanced to the north of Aden and successfully recaptured the [[Al Anad Air Base]].<ref name="al-Anad">{{Cite web |url=http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/yemen/pro-hadi-forces-recapture-yemen-s-al-anad-military-base-1.1560307 |title=Pro-Hadi forces recapture Yemen's Al-Anad military base |access-date=2015-08-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151231131740/http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/yemen/pro-hadi-forces-recapture-yemen-s-al-anad-military-base-1.1560307 |archive-date=2015-12-31 |url-status = dead}}</ref>

Major General [[Jaafar Mohammed Saad]], who played a prominent role in planning the operation that pushed pro-Houthi fighters out of Aden in July, was appointed as [[Aden Governorate|Governor of Aden]] in October 2015. However, his tenure proved short-lived; he was assassinated in a bombing allegedly perpetrated by the [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant]] on 6 December 2015.<ref name="kathmandu"/><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/dec/06/governor-of-aden-in-yemen-killed-in-explosion-say-officials|work=The Guardian|title=Isis claims responsibility for assassinating governor of Aden|date=6 December 2015|access-date=6 December 2015}}</ref>

==Combatants==
As of 10 April, ''[[The New York Times]]'' reported, most of Aden's defenders were residents who took up arms against the invaders, forming loosely organised militias to protect their own neighbourhoods. The militiamen include supporters of the separatist [[Southern Movement]]. Many of Hadi's loyalists deserted earlier in the battle, after their president fled the country. By contrast, the bulk of the attacking force was composed of troops and militiamen loyal to Saleh, with Houthis making up a minority. Many of the Houthi fighters captured during the fighting reportedly had been told they were in Aden to fight [[al-Qaeda]].<ref name="crumbling">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/11/world/middleeast/aden-yemen.html|agency=The New York Times|title=Yemen's War Leaves Aden Crumbling and Starving|newspaper=The New York Times |date=10 April 2015|access-date=10 April 2015|last1=Bin-Lazrq |first1=Fathi |last2=Fahim |first2=Kareem }}</ref>

==Foreign role==
===Humanitarian===
{{see also|International reactions to the 2015 military intervention in Yemen#Evacuations and other actions}}
Several countries moved to evacuate their citizens from [[Aden]] as the fighting worsened. [[China]]'s [[People's Liberation Army Navy]] evacuated several hundred, including hundreds of non-Chinese citizens, from Aden in early April. A [[Turkey|Turkish]] [[frigate]] also evacuated 55 Turks from the city.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-32173811|agency=BBC News|title=Yemen crisis: China evacuates citizens and foreigners from Aden|date=3 April 2015|access-date=8 April 2015}}</ref> The [[INS Mumbai (D62)|INS ''Mumbai'']], an [[Indian Navy]] [[destroyer]], evacuated 441 [[India]]n and other foreign nationals from Aden to [[Djibouti]] on 4 April.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Yemen-crisis-Indian-Navy-completes-evacuation-from-Aden-tweets-Sushma-Swaraj/articleshow/46811956.cms?|agency=The Times of India|title=Yemen crisis: Indian Navy completes evacuation from Aden, tweets Sushma Swaraj|date=5 April 2015|access-date=8 April 2015}}</ref>

On 8 April, [[Medecins Sans Frontiers]] and the [[International Committee of the Red Cross]] were successful in delivering 2.5 tonnes of medicine and a surgical team, respectively, by boat to Aden. The surgical team was deployed to a local hospital.<ref name="medical"/> On 21 July 2015, the first ship carrying aid from the [[World Food Programme]] docked in Aden, carrying enough food to last 180,000 people a month. The ship had waited at sea for four months, unable to dock because of fighting in the port area.<ref>{{cite news|title=UN Ship Finally Gets Food Aid To War-Torn Yemen|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/un-food-aid-yemen_55ae4196e4b08f57d5d26ac8?cps=gravity_2684_-8766367302886063475|access-date=26 July 2015|work=[[Huffington Post]]|agency=[[Reuters]]|date=21 July 2015}}</ref>

===Military===
{{Main|Saudi Arabian-led intervention in Yemen}}
[[Egypt]]ian warships shelled Houthi positions as they advanced on critical points in Aden,<ref name="shell" /> and coalition warplanes repeatedly struck the attackers, as well as installations they seized.<ref name="push" />

[[Saudi Arabia]] reportedly inserted special forces troops into Aden, which a Saudi official told [[CNN]] were "coordinating and guiding" resistance to the Houthis and their allies. The Saudi government declined to officially comment on whether it had commandos on the ground in Aden.<ref name="cnn.com" /> On 3 May, a small force of no more than 50 fighters from at least three Arab countries reportedly landed near Aden International Airport and took up arms against troops loyal to Saleh. A spokesman for the Saudi-led coalition denied that "foreign forces" were in Aden.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/world/middleeast/la-fg-new-force-yemen-20150503-story.html|work=The Los Angeles Times|title=Mysterious new force emerges in Yemen to fight rebels|date=3 May 2015|access-date=4 May 2015}}</ref> Hadi's foreign minister said the fighters were Yemeni special forces troops retrained outside the country and sent back into Aden.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/world/yemen-s-foreign-minister/1825000.html|agency=Channel News Asia|title=Yemen's foreign minister: Aden troops were Gulf-trained locals|date=4 May 2015|access-date=4 May 2015|url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505044027/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/world/yemen-s-foreign-minister/1825000.html|archive-date=5 May 2015}}</ref>

Anti-Houthi militiamen claimed to have captured an [[Iran]]ian colonel and captain in the [[Quds Force]], a special division of the [[Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps|Iranian Revolutionary Guards]], during fighting in Aden in April. They said the Iranians were working as "advisors" to the Houthi militias and would be turned over to the coalition.<ref name="iranian" />

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

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{{Yemeni Civil War (2015)}}
{{Middle East conflicts}}
{{Yemen topics}}

[[Category:2015 in Yemen]]
[[Category:Battles involving Yemen|Aden]]
[[Category:Battles in 2015|Aden]]
[[Category:Aden in the Yemeni civil war (2014–present)|Aden]]
[[Category:Battles of the Yemeni civil war (2014–present)|Aden]]