Barran Press
On September 18, 2014, Yemenis commemorated the tenth anniversary of the Marib Matareh, established by local tribes to counter the intensified assaults from the Houthi group, which is internationally classified as a terrorist organization. These Matareh were created in response to the group's attempts to seize control of the province through armed force.
The establishment of these Matareh, a traditional tribal response to threats, came about two months after the Houthis began mobilizing and attacking tribal members along the borders with Al-Jawf and Sana'a, following their capture of the city of Amran in July 2014 and their advance towards the capital, Sana'a, which fell on September 21, 2014.
Yemeni journalist Marib Al-Ward was among those who visited these Matareh shortly after their establishment. In an interview with "Bran Press," he recounted his observations during his visit and reflected on the resolve of the Marib tribes in defending the state, highlighting the significance of this stance for both Marib and the broader Yemeni population.
A Hopeful Stance
Regarding the Marib tribes' position, Al-Ward noted that their unity against the Houthis represented the hope that Yemenis desperately needed at a time when government authorities were largely surrendering control to the militia without significant resistance. He remarked, “There was a sense of despair, as the leadership adopted what it called neutrality, which was effectively submission to the militias.”
He emphasized that the tribes' actions provided a critical sense of hope, demonstrating that the Houthis could not completely dominate the country. This hope was rooted in the historical significance of Marib, the ancestral home of the Sabaean Kingdom, and highlighted the tribes' independence and refusal to surrender their honor and lands to external forces.
A Dark Moment
In what he described as a "dark moment," Al-Ward explained how the tribes adopted a traditional tribal mobilization known as "matarah," declaring locations like Nakhlah and Al-Saheel in northwestern Marib as gathering points for all tribesmen to prepare for confrontation with the Houthis, regardless of the circumstances.
He acknowledged that military strength at the time favored the Houthis, who had control over the country’s resources, including the military. However, this did not deter the Marib tribes from rising to the challenge.
An Inevitable Decision
Al-Ward pointed out that the tribes' decision was not arbitrary but a response to the Houthis' failure to adhere to a previously negotiated agreement, which had called for their withdrawal from northern Marib. He noted that the Houthis had engaged in sporadic clashes with northern tribes since 2011, and the Marib tribes recognized that the Houthis openly declared their intent to move towards Marib after seizing Sana'a.
Strategic Importance
The Houthis' insistence on controlling Marib stems from its strategic significance for the country’s economy, as the government in Sana'a cannot afford to overlook the province’s oil and gas resources. Al-Ward explained that as long as Marib remains outside the control of the ruling authority in Sana'a, that authority will be plagued by concerns over the presence of a power beyond its reach, especially given the historical context of the Houthis as an extension of the imamate system.
This situation prompted the Marib tribes to unite and declare their mobilization, pooling their resources, including finances, manpower, and weapons. Initially, they rallied at the northern entrance of the province, later expanding their efforts across the region in response to evolving circumstances, successfully resisting Houthi attempts to seize control prior to the intervention of the coalition.
Al-Matareh meaning for Marib Al-Ward
Recalling his visit to the Matareh, Al-Ward shared, “When the tribes announced the Matareh, I was motivated by a sense of hope and curiosity. It was my first experience witnessing such a large-scale armed tribal mobilization.”
He clarified that this mobilization was a response to an invading force, marking a state of war rather than a peaceful resolution. Traveling from Sana'a to Marib, Al-Ward was struck by the organization he observed, likening the Matareh to military bases, with armed individuals well-coordinated into groups led by members of their own tribes.
Each tribe supported its fighters with arms, funds, supplies, and vehicles, and there were dedicated individuals managing logistics, armament, and media affairs. Leadership within the Matareh operated on principles reflecting tribal traditions, emphasizing a form of consultative decision-making.
Stick to the norms
In a recent interview, journalist Marib Al-Ward shed light on the significance of tribal customs among the tribes of Marib, particularly in their resistance against the Houthi group. Al-Ward emphasized the strength and importance of these customs in maintaining tribal cohesion across Yemen.
He noted that the tribes of Marib, being less politicized than those in northern regions, have adhered more closely to longstanding tribal traditions. These customs, which have been recognized since the signing of agreements with scholars and tribal leaders centuries ago, bind all Yemeni tribes together.
Strength and will
Al-Ward explained that the tribes have set aside political calculations and self-interest to prioritize the collective good, recognizing that keeping Marib free from Houthi control ensures the state’s stability. “The presence of the state is synonymous with hope for Yemenis in reclaiming their country and capital,” he stated.
Voices from the Front Lines
During his visits to the tribal Matareh, Al-Ward spoke with several tribal leaders, including Sheikh Ahmed Saleh Al-Aqeeli. When asked about their capacity to confront the Houthis despite their military superiority, Al-Aqeeli expressed unwavering confidence, stating, “Yes, we possess strength and will, and we are united against them.”
Another elder, Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Gharib, who was in his seventies at the time, reflected on his long experience with national struggles, asserting that if they could not protect their province, they would not surrender it to the Houthis.
Historical and Social Factors
Al-Ward identified several historical and social factors contributing to this unique stance. He highlighted the tribes’ high degree of social independence, with their leaders exercising authority significantly detached from state interventions. This independence fosters a strong commitment to their customs, which have been passed down through generations.
He noted that the tribes recognize the existential threat posed by the Houthis, recalling past struggles against oppressive regimes. The fear of losing their identity and power to an outside force drives them to unite against this common enemy.
National Resistance
On a national scale, Marib has become a refuge for those fleeing Houthi oppression, allowing them to regroup and strengthen their resistance. Al-Ward pointed out that the tribal mobilization not only encouraged others across Yemen to resist but also demonstrated that the Houthis were not invincible. “Their control was merely a result of state officials abandoning their responsibilities,” he asserted.
A Defining Battle
Al-Ward described the battle for Marib as a pivotal moment, crucial for both the tribes and the Houthis. The latter recognized that controlling Marib would solidify their power in Sana'a, while the tribes understood that failure to resist would lead to dire consequences for their leadership and communities.
He emphasized that the tribes fought valiantly, with many making significant sacrifices. “Men were willing to sacrifice themselves and their families,” he recounted.
Leadership and Unity
A key factor in their resilience was the leadership of the local governor, who understood his role and responsibilities. Al-Ward praised Sheikh Sultan for being a unifying figure, leveraging local resources to support the resistance.
This collaborative spirit marked a significant shift, fostering positive relations between the tribes and local authorities—an aspect rarely seen in other provinces. The unity among tribes, local governance, and political parties created a strong front against the Houthis.
A Broader Conflict
Al-Ward also discussed the Iranian influence in the conflict, describing it as a broader Arab struggle. He noted that if the Houthis had succeeded in Marib, it would have dramatically altered the region's dynamics. “Marib became the rock upon which the ambitions of the Houthis shattered,” he explained.
Lessons for the Future
In conclusion, Al-Ward stressed the importance of preserving the lessons learned from Marib’s experience. He called for in-depth social studies on the tribes and their customs, recognizing their vital role in Yemen’s social fabric. “The resilience of Marib’s tribes offers valuable insights that can guide future efforts to maintain stability and sovereignty in Yemen,” he concluded.