Al-Bayda, Yemen – On December 17, 2024, local sources reported significant military movements and heightened security measures by the Houthi militia, which is internationally designated as a terrorist organization, in Al-Bayda Governorate, central Yemen.

According to the sources for Barran Press, large military reinforcements arrived in the Al-Zahir district, coinciding with intensified security operations aimed at monitoring citizens' movements, driven by fears of a situation similar to that in Syria.

The Houthis have reportedly cut all communication lines in the Al-Zahir area, establishing secret committees to surveil residents and their activities.

Additionally, the sources confirmed that the militia is digging trenches and constructing barricades. They are also using armored vehicles to create new roads in the mountainous areas adjacent to Jabal Al-Ar in Yafa.

These military and security actions by the Houthis appear to be motivated by concerns over potential repercussions from the evolving situation in Syria, which could impact their strength and diminish Iran's influence in the Middle East.

The rapid developments in Syria, leading to the potential fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime, have sparked hopes among Yemenis for a similar scenario that could result in the end of the Houthi insurgency with minimal costs, particularly following recent setbacks for Tehran in Lebanon and the diminishing of its control over Damascus.