Tribes in Yemen's Al-Jawf province have intensified their actions against the Houthi militia following the expiration of a deadline for the release of Sheikh Hamad bin Rashid Fadgham Al-Hazmi and Meera Saddam Hussein, who have been held for three days. The tribes have begun encircling Houthi interests and have vowed to pursue military options if their demands are not met. Tribal sources reported that fighters from the Bani Nauf tribe, a major component of the Dehem tribes, have taken up strategic positions and established checkpoints. These measures include blocking and detaining vehicles carrying Qat, a stimulant leaf, belonging to tribes from the Amran and Sa'dah governorates. This move is intended as a pressure tactic targeting the militia's economic activities. The incident that triggered the escalation occurred on Tuesday when a Houthi military convoy intercepted Sheikh Al-Hazmi's procession in the Al-Hattarish area, on the road connecting Sana'a and Al-Jawf. Sheikh Al-Hazmi and Meera Saddam Hussein were subsequently abducted and taken to an unknown location. Reports indicate the abduction stemmed from Sheikh Al-Hazmi's involvement in a dispute over a villa and other properties belonging to Meera Saddam Hussein. Influential Houthi leaders, including Commander Faris Manaa, have allegedly refused to return the assets to their rightful owners, leading to the Sheikh's detention after he sought to mediate on behalf of those wronged according to tribal customs. All constituent tribes of Dehem, including Dhu Hussein, Dhu Muhammad, Bani Nauf, Hamdan, Al-Ma'atarah, Al-Amalsah, Al Masoud, and Al Salem, have declared a state of maximum alert across all 12 districts of the province. A statement issued by tribal elders condemned the abduction as a grave offense that violates Yemeni societal norms and traditions. In their statement, the tribes hold the Houthi militia fully responsible for the safety and well-being of the abductees. They have warned of resorting to more severe military measures, including direct targeting of Houthi supervisors, should the Sheikh and Meera Saddam Hussein not be released immediately and unconditionally. |
