Houthis Threaten Tribal Gathering in Al Jawf; Tribes Vow Resistance

The Houthi militia has threatened to target the gathering sites of the Daham tribes in the Al Yatmah area of Al Khabb wa Ash Sha'af district, east of Al Jawf Governorate, amid the tribes' insistence on their demands for the release of Sheikh Hamad Al Hazmi and their readiness for confrontation.

Tribal sources stated that the militia threatened to target tribal gatherings with drones in an attempt to intimidate those who had begun converging on the Al Nakf gathering sites in Al Yatmah since Monday dawn. The tribes affirmed their commitment to their demands.

The sources added that tribal mediation efforts to de-escalate the situation were unsuccessful, as the militia conditioned the lifting of the tribal gatherings as a prerequisite for negotiations. This condition was rejected, leading the militia to renew its threats to target the tribal assemblies.

In a related development, the Dhu Hussein tribes and those allied with them confirmed their resolve to remain at the gathering sites and rejected any move to end the tribal mobilization before the release of Sheikh Hamad Al Hazmi. They emphasized their preparedness to confront any potential aggression.

The tribes held the militia responsible for any escalation that might result from targeting their gatherings, deeming it a serious escalation with significant repercussions.

The situation escalated after a Houthi campaign abducted Sheikh Hamad bin Rashid bin Fadgham Al Hazmi on Sunday. This incident prompted the Dhu Hussein tribes to call for a tribal mobilization in Al Yatmah to protest the abduction and demand his release. The tribal response has since broadened, leading to increased tensions in the region amid fears of a slide into armed conflict.