Houthi Leaders Withdraw from Sanaa in Anticipation of Potential Military Strikes

Houthi Leaders Withdraw from Sanaa in Anticipation of Potential Military Strikes
Houthi leadership movements toward remote areas indicate real fears of imminent military strikes that may target their strongholds in capital Sanaa
December 21, 2024, 8:06 pm

اليمن_ ميلشيا الحوثيين/ أرشيفية

Al-Arabiya/Al-Hadath sources reported dozens of Houthi political and military leaders fleeing from Sanaa toward areas in Saada, Hajjah, Amran, and Hodeidah, having recently disappeared from the capital.

Sources indicated this movement falls within preventive measures implemented by the group in preparation for possible direct Israeli or American attacks.

In a related context, Yemeni media noted turmoil sweeping through the so-called Houthi Supreme Political Council in Sanaa, with efforts to make changes including overthrowing "Mahdi Al-Mashat" and installing ideological official Qasim Hamran as his successor.

Sources revealed that Qasim Ahsan Ali Al-Hamran, known as "Abu Kawthar," is one of the group's influential figures, leading the so-called "Steadfastness Program," and belongs to Dhahyan city in Saada governorate, the Houthi movement's main stronghold.

Following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's warning to Houthis that those targeting Israel "will pay a very heavy price," a response came from the Iran-backed group.

Houthi leader in Yemen, Abdul-Malik Al-Houthi, declared that his group is waging an open war against Israel, United States, and Britain, emphasizing continued escalation and targeting ships in the Red Sea in support of Palestinians according to his claim.

Israeli F-16 fighters began attacks on various locations in Sanaa and Hodeidah, targeting power stations and the Ras Issa and Al-Salif ports in Hodeidah city.

Since the Gaza war outbreak on October 7, 2023, Houthis have conducted dozens of missile and drone attacks toward Israel, and targeted dozens of cargo ships in the Red Sea, claiming to "support Gaza."

Some analysts believe that Israel has become, after undermining significant capabilities of Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas, more ready and determined to confront the Houthis.

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