Bran Press | Report by Faris Al-Surahi
In the ongoing conflict, the tribes of Marib have not only demonstrated military superiority against the Houthi insurgents but have also engaged in a cultural struggle that reflects their values, principles, and traditions.
As the Marib tribes confronted the heavily armed Houthi forces, which had looted state military camps, they simultaneously challenged the entrenched stereotypes of the Yemeni tribe as a cultural and social entity.
Before the Houthi assault on Marib, a region rich in oil and gas, the residents faced a widespread campaign of incitement and defamation that portrayed them as "criminals" and enemies of the state. This campaign peaked as the Houthis advanced toward the province and continued to evolve in size and form.
Authenticity of Tribal Culture
Political literature produced by the Marib tribes during their initial mobilization against the Houthis, particularly between August 2014 and January 2015, reflects their "true identity" during one of Yemen's most critical phases since the establishment of the republic. This contrasts sharply with the distorted image created by propaganda campaigns.
During this period, the tribes issued several statements regarding the events following the Houthis' takeover of the Yemeni capital, Sana'a, on September 21, 2014, and their subsequent attempts to seize other provinces, especially Marib. Researchers suggest these statements reveal the tribes' authentic identity, their commitment to national values, and their unequivocal rejection of armed rebellion against the state and the disruption of governmental functions.
Individual and Collective Resistance
The individual stances of tribal leaders and dignitaries also exemplified the tribes' connection to the state and adherence to the rule of law. Their declarations emphasized a national consensus and a rejection of power seizure through violence, condemning chaos and bloodshed.
These public stances materialized into tangible actions, with the tribes demonstrating their willingness to sacrifice lives, resources, and families in the face of the Houthi project—one that threatens not only their province but the national identity, republican system, and values of freedom and equality.
A Crucial Juncture
On August 21, 2014, Marib hosted a significant gathering of leaders from the "Saba" region tribes (Al-Jawf, Marib, and Al-Bayda) to address the Houthi aggression in Al-Jawf and their ongoing violence against its people.
The meeting condemned the attacks and affirmed the tribes' unwavering support for the state and its political leadership against any conspiracies threatening the nation's unity and republican system. The statement from this gathering highlighted Yemen's critical juncture, presenting two paths: one leading to statehood and popular consensus, and the other toward a civil sectarian conflict among its citizens.
Code of Honor and Unity Among Marib Tribes
In a recent gathering, local leaders from Marib established a "Code of Honor," committing to stand united against any aggressor targeting the Saba region and its public interests. The agreement emphasizes a collective defense of the region within the framework of a modern federal state, while ensuring collaboration with all national forces to thwart any plans that undermine national consensus.
The attendees urged a heightened awareness of the current critical phase, calling for a national alignment to guide the country out of crises and conspiracies.
Rejection of Chaos and Commitment to Core Values
As Houthi movements aimed to encircle the capital, Sana'a, under the pretense of protesting the government’s decision to lift fuel subsidies, the tribes issued a statement on August 27, 2014, reiterating their "unwavering rejection of violence, social disruption, and threats to security." They reaffirmed their commitment to the republic, revolution, and national unity.
Internally, the Marib tribes condemned attacks on oil pipelines, electricity towers, and road blockades, viewing these actions as genuine threats to Yemen that needed to be confronted. They reiterated their support for military and security institutions in maintaining stability in the province and called for reconciliation and unity to prioritize the nation's interests over any partisan, regional, or sectarian agendas.
A Warning to the Houthis
On September 7, 2014, the Marib tribes warned the Houthis against attempts to recruit members of their community under what they termed the "tyrannical clerical project," referencing the Yemeni revolution of September 26, 1962, which overthrew the imamate regime that the Houthis claim lineage to. The tribes highlighted that the Houthis' efforts aimed to disrupt the cohesion of Marib and labeled these attempts as "desperate."
They asserted that they would not remain passive in the face of provocations from external aggressors, pledging a strong response to any attacks, regardless of the excuses presented by the Houthis, who had previously engaged in similar tactics in Saada and Amran.
The tribes emphasized that "the land of civilization and history (Marib) will not be an easy target for anyone, and its wrath will burn the aggressor and the rebellious faction."
Preparations at the Matareh
Three days before the Houthi takeover of Sana'a, on September 18, 2014, the tribes of Marib gathered at the "Matareh," a network of community defense camps established in the northern and western areas “Nakhla and Al-Saheel” of the province, in preparation to confront the Houthis.
Yemeni journalist Marib Al-Ward, who visited these camps, remarked, "For the first time in my life, I witnessed such a strong tribal mobilization." He described the situation as a genuine war effort against an invading force, contrasting it with previous experiences that typically ended in peaceful resolutions.
Upon arriving, Al-Ward noted the camps resembled military installations, with armed individuals organized into groups led by members of their respective tribes. Each tribe provided its own resources, including weapons, finances, and supplies.
This mobilization, according to Al-Ward, reflects the significance of tribal traditions in maintaining cohesion among Yemeni tribes. He highlighted that the tribes set aside political and individual interests to focus on the collective good, which, in this context, aligned with the interests of the state—ensuring that Marib remained free from Houthi control was vital for the preservation of state authority and the hope of restoring Yemen’s governance.
The Culture of Statehood
Describing the Matareh, former diplomat and researcher Mustafa Naji stated that they serve as a social mechanism for defense and protection, embedded within the tribal social fabric that fosters solidarity and social peace. He noted that the local population had sensed the Houthi threat for two reasons: a sectarian agenda and a refusal to submit to any authority other than that of the state.
Despite this, the tribes identified with a national identity, accepting state security and legal measures as essential for achieving safety, justice, and equality. Their sensitivity towards the Houthis stemmed from seeing them as the complete antithesis of the state, highlighting the concept of state culture within the frameworks of social and tribal protection.
A Collective Stand Against External Interference
On November 7th, tribal leaders gathered in Nakhla & Al-Saheel, reaffirming their commitment to upholding the rule of law and preventing any unlawful intrusions into their territory. They vowed to confront any aggression that threatened their province and safeguard its public interests from sabotage.
Five days later, the tribes issued a stern warning to any individuals or entities facilitating the entry of Houthi elements into Marib, emphasizing their unwavering support for the Yemeni military and security forces in maintaining security and stability.
Simultaneously, they sent a message to then-President Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi, declaring their resolute commitment to defending Marib under any circumstance. They urged the presidency, military, and security institutions to fulfill their responsibilities in standing with the people of Marib.
In response, President Hadi issued a telegram the following day, entrusting the Marib tribes with the responsibility of protecting their province.
Confronting Sabotage and Propaganda
Amidst a wave of disruptive acts targeting electricity lines and oil pipelines, the Houthis attempted to exploit the situation by mobilizing their fighters towards Marib under the guise of securing vital infrastructure.
To counter this manipulative narrative, the tribes convened a meeting in Nakhla on November 19th. They issued a statement condemning the acts of sabotage, reiterating their unwavering stance against terrorism and destruction. They emphasized that the perpetrators of these acts were aiming to tarnish the reputation of the brave people of Marib and create false justifications for the Houthi advance.
The tribes asserted that the protection of the nation, its citizens, and its sovereign interests was the sole responsibility of the legitimate constitutional authority, represented by its executive branch. They stressed that no entity had the right to usurp this role, a position they had consistently maintained in their unwavering support for the Yemeni state.
A Defiant Message to the Houthis and Their Supporters
In a defiant message, the tribes declared that Marib would serve as the final resting place for any aggressor who dared to violate the honor and dignity of its people or defy the constitutional legitimacy and national consensus. They vowed to treat those who sided with or supported the Houthis as adversaries, and they condemned any media outlets that incited against the people of Marib or distorted their image.
On the same day, they issued another statement commending the Yemeni military and security forces in Marib for their successful response to a sabotage attempt against the gas station and the Sa'fer-Marib pipeline. They viewed the military's success in repelling and pursuing these elements as proof of their continued ability to fulfill their duty. They reaffirmed their unwavering support for the military in safeguarding public interests, vital infrastructure, and the international highway.
A New Narrative Emerges
Journalist Marib Al-Ward, reflecting on the smear campaigns targeting the Marib tribes, stated that prior to 2014, media outlets, often influenced by individuals linked to the former regime, portrayed the tribes as bandits, criminals, backward, and obstacles to development.
However, he noted that the tribes' unwavering defense against the Houthi coup transformed the perception of the Marib tribes across Yemen. They demonstrated their unwavering loyalty to the state and their shared destiny with the nation.
A Force for State Preservation
Researcher Mustafa Naji highlighted the numerous messages sent by the Marib tribes to President Hadi, rejecting the Houthi attacks and demanding state protection. He emphasized that the tribes were not seeking to establish an independent authority, but rather sought to safeguard their interests through the state and within its framework.
Journalist Al-Ward further elaborated on the political discourse of the Marib tribes, emphasizing their unwavering commitment to the state and their role as a reserve force for its preservation, not a threat to its existence. He underscored the historical stance of Yemeni tribes, which has always been to act as a complement to the state, particularly during times of weakness or collapse. He highlighted their ability to effectively counter existential threats due to their strong sense of discipline, rooted in their deeply ingrained tribal traditions.
A United Front
Researcher Mustafa Naji highlighted the crucial element of unity in Marib's defense. He emphasized that the success was achieved through the combined efforts of the official state forces, represented by certain army brigades, tribal alliances, and the unwavering commitment of the tribesmen themselves.
Naji described Marib as one of the last bastions against the Houthis, who had captured numerous other governorates with less resistance. He pointed out that the people of Marib formed a formidable barrier, refusing to submit to the Houthis while remaining loyal to the local authorities. This, he argued, demonstrates their commitment to the state's authority.
Preventing State Collapse
Despite facing a technologically superior and relentless Houthi offensive, the people of Marib fought fiercely for months, enduring countless casualties. Their bravery and sacrifice, amidst a history of neglect and underdevelopment, ultimately protected the republic, preserving the remaining state institutions.
Journalist Al-Ward highlighted the pivotal role of Marib's tribes in safeguarding the state, providing stability and security, and contributing to future development. He emphasized that Marib has proven to be a vital lifeline for the state, and that if the government fosters a relationship based on responsibility, respect, appreciation, inclusion, and development, the tribes can offer even more, ensuring lasting security, stability, and progress.
A Model for the Future
Marib's resilience has made it a beacon of hope for Yemenis seeking security, stability, and even investment, attracting international attention. Al-Ward believes that the Marib model deserves thorough examination and analysis by journalists, researchers, and think tanks. He proposes that this model should be considered as a blueprint for the state's restoration, arguing that with careful consideration and implementation, its key elements can be replicated elsewhere.
Al-Ward reiterated that Marib is a vital lifeline for the state and a spearhead for its restoration. He stressed the need for the Marib model to be adopted as a standard, as it embodies liberation, unity, cohesion, and demonstrates the potential for collaboration between tribes, the state, and political parties.