Yemen Government Eyes Houthis in Northern Region After Regaining Momentum

Yemen’s Government Seizes Initiative in Southern Region

A recent development has seen the Yemeni government regain control in southern regions, following a series of events that have led to the collapse of the Southern Transitional Council (STC). The STC, which had been a key player in the conflict against the Houthi rebel group, attempted to seize all of southern and eastern Yemen but was ultimately unsuccessful. Saudi Arabia’s backing of pro-government troops resulted in the group’s division, with one leader on the run and others declaring the group dissolved.

In response to this shift, President Rashad al-Alimi has established the Supreme Military Committee (SMC), which aims to oversee all anti-Houthi military units and integrate them into the official Yemeni military under one command. The SMC’s formation marks a significant change in the decade-long conflict, with Naef, a government soldier who has been on the frontlines for nine years, expressing optimism about the government’s prospects.

The SMC’s announcement has sparked concern among Houthi supporters in northern Yemen, who view it as an attempt to organize proxies in the south. Hamza Abdu, a 24-year-old Houthi supporter, expressed concerns that the formation of the SMC could lead to a resumption of war between the Houthis and their opponents.

Meanwhile, Aziz Rashid, a pro-Houthi military expert, believes that the SMC will not alter the status quo, arguing that any future confrontation with the Houthis will serve the agendas of external powers such as Israel. The Houthi leaders have remained confident in their control, despite warnings from ordinary citizens about the potential for renewed conflict.

The formation of the SMC has brought a sense of unity to anti-Houthi forces in southern Yemen, but its impact on the overall conflict remains uncertain.

Source: Al Jazeera