Barran Press
Iran-backed Houthi rebels recently launched a large-scale military campaign against the Al-Masoud tribes in the Al-Hanakah area of Yemen’s Al-Bayda governorate. The escalation was triggered by an incident last week, during which locals, angered by the actions of Houthi security officials, opened fire on one of the group’s vehicles.
After a four-day siege and intense shelling, the Houthis invaded Al-Hanakah, displacing dozens of families and indiscriminately targeting civilians. This attack is part of an ongoing pattern of Houthi aggression against the tribes of Al-Bayda, dating back to their 2014 coup.
Underlying Concerns
Yemeni conflict researcher and tribal expert Nadwa Dawsari emphasized the deep-seated Houthi fears regarding the Al-Baydha tribes. These fears stem from the tribes' historical resistance to Houthi rule and their pivotal role in the 26 September Revolution, which dismantled the Imamate and establish a republican government in Yemen.
Dawsari highlighted Al-Baydha's strategic location, situated between eight provinces, as a significant factor contributing to Houthi aggression. Recognizing the tribes as a threat to their control, the Houthis have employed preemptive violence, including heavy weaponry and terror tactics such as home burnings and assaults, to suppress any potential resistance.
To justify their actions, the Houthis accused the Al-Masoud tribes of harboring "takfiri elements" and labeled any opposition as "terrorism." This narrative, while sometimes resonating with Western audiences, is used to legitimize their military operations and suppress dissent.
Historical Resistance
The tribes of Al-Baydha have a long history of resisting Houthi and previous authoritarian regimes. Their republican values, rooted in the 26 September Revolution, fuel their resistance to the Houthi group.
The recent attack on Al-Hanakah follows a series of clashes, including those that erupted in September after a Houthi official allegedly sexually assaulted a local child.
As the conflict escalates, the dynamics between the Houthis and the resilient tribes of Al-Baydha continue to evolve, highlighting the complexities of Yemen's ongoing war.