Tribal gatherings are escalating tensions in Al Jawf province, with the Rayan tribes announcing the imminent end of a deadline for the Houthi militia, amid continued tribal mobilizations and military movements by the group towards the province.
Tribal leader Sheikh Hamad bin Fadgham, speaking on behalf of the Rayan tribes, stated that all tribal mediations and efforts to resolve the crisis with the Houthi militia have been exhausted. He emphasized that the deadline for a resolution is nearing its end without any progress or response that would restore rights to their owners.
Bin Fadgham declared that the tribes, having pursued all available avenues and tribal interventions to preserve life and uphold tribal customs, are now being pushed toward confrontation due to the Houthis' lack of response. He stressed that resorting to "sounding the drums of war" will be an unavoidable last resort after the deadline expires, holding the militia responsible for any ensuing consequences.
This escalation follows recent deadly clashes in Al Hazm city between fighters from the Hamdan tribes and Houthi elements. These confrontations erupted over the militia's confiscation of property belonging to a tribal member, escalating into armed conflict that resulted in casualties on both sides.
Tribal sources accused the Houthi militia of allegedly executing several wounded members of the Hamdan tribes, including Sheikh Ahmed Saleh Al Zaidi, inside Al Hazm hospital after they were admitted for treatment. This incident has reportedly ignited widespread anger and heightened tensions between the tribes and the militia.
In light of these developments, military sources have revealed new Houthi movements, including the withdrawal of forces from areas in Taiz, Ibb, and Al Houthan, and their redeployment towards Sana'a. This strategic shift coincided with rising tensions in Al Jawf and the gathering of tribes in "Mataareh Al Karama" in the Rayan region.
Mamoun Al Mahjami, a leader in the joint forces on the West Coast, suggested that these movements indicate the militia's attempt to redistribute its forces and reinforce positions facing increasing pressure amid growing tribal discontent and the expanding scope of confrontation in Al Jawf. Meanwhile, the Hamdan tribes continue to mobilize their fighters and declare their solidarity with "Mataareh Al Karama," framing their stance as a defense of rights and a rejection of Houthi violations. A state of mutual alert prevails in the province, with concerns of a wider conflict that could open a new front, potentially exhausting the militia in one of its key areas of influence in northern Yemen.
