Houthi Militia Disrupts Tribal Gathering in Sana'a, Organizes Counter-Event

Houthi militia leaders and supervisors in the Arhab district, north of Sana'a, have suppressed a significant tribal mobilization intended to investigate the disappearance of two young girls. The militia reportedly used threats and intimidation against tribal elders, aiming to prevent the exposure of their security failures and potentially shield perpetrators linked to the group.

The tribal gathering, initiated by the district's sheikhs, was organized to address the fate of two abducted children, Al-Batoul and Samah Fatah Ahmed Abdullah Al-Qamadi, from the Hazm area of Arhab. The girls have been missing for two full months in the desolate streets of Sana'a.

Tribal sources confirmed that the militia actively thwarted the sheikhs' efforts through direct threats and warnings. This action is believed to stem from a fear that the tribal gathering would expose the Houthi's profound security shortcomings and potentially uncover individuals from within the militia ranks as the perpetrators.

In an apparent maneuver to circumvent the genuine tribal effort, the Houthi militia has orchestrated a fabricated tribal gathering scheduled for Monday. This counter-event is ostensibly focused on the case of "Mira Saddam Hussein," whom the militia identifies as "Sumayya Al-Zubairi," in an apparent attempt to assert influence and belonging within Arhab.

Observers suggest that this Houthi-led initiative, involving loyal sheikhs, is designed to undermine and derail the legitimate tribal mobilization. The original gathering, now in its fifth consecutive day at "Matarih Al-Karama" in the Al-Rayan area of Khabb wa Al-Sha'af district in Al-Jawf governorate, was called for by Sheikh Hamad bin Rashid bin Fadgham Al-Hazmi and has garnered widespread support and solidarity from various Yemeni tribes.