The internationally recognized Yemeni government, backed by Saudi Arabia, has initiated a new military operation targeting the Iran-backed Houthi movement following significant Houthi territorial gains in September. The offensive, launched this week, aims to recapture key strategic areas including the Red Sea coast, Marib, and al-Jawf. The Houthis had recently captured vital trade corridors, including the port city of Mocha and territory surrounding the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a critical global shipping route.
The success of the government’s campaign may depend significantly on whether powerful tribes in Houthi-controlled regions will actively support military operations. Many tribes have historically maintained a cautious stance toward the Houthis, discouraged by the group’s military strength and the failure of previous uprisings. A major tribal rally in Marib governorate this week announced general mobilization to support armed forces in efforts to “restore the state and topple the Houthi coup,” suggesting potential willingness to engage.
However, tribal participation remains uncertain due to past experiences. Over the past decade of conflict, tribes that have challenged the Houthis have sometimes lacked sustained government backing, resulting in their defeat. The Hajoor tribe’s 2019 uprising, which included external military support, ultimately ended in Houthi victory. Tribal leaders emphasize they seek a demonstrably reliable and capable government partner before committing to confrontation.
The Houthis have significantly weakened traditional tribal power structures through military dominance, financial incentives, and ideological appeals, particularly regarding Palestinian causes. A tribal leader noted that government advances on actual battlefields would be necessary to reassure tribes that the Houthis have genuinely lost military superiority. Experts suggest that if the government can demonstrate sustained territorial gains and coordinate tribal forces through formal military structures, tribal mobilization could prove critical to advancing toward Houthi strongholds including Sanaa, the capital.
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