While the Houthis (Shiite tribal group based in the northern province of Sa’ada organized politically under the name Ansar Allah) have managed despite reports of heavy losses, both in men and in territories, to further advance against Salafi militants throughout Yemen’s highlands, tribal leaders and officials in the capital, Sana’a are said to be working on a ceasefire agreement.
Such renewed calls for calm came amid a net escalation in violence in Sa’ada. Resident confirmed on Monday that the Houthis exploded a Salafi Mosque in Sa’ada as part of a clean-up operation against all things Salafi in the region.
Witnesses to the Mosque attack told the local press, Houthi militants rank-sacked the building prior to positioning their explosives, taking away foodstuffs, windows, and furniture.
Although it is almost impossible for media to access Sa’ada and thus confirm independently allegations and verify claims made from either party, it is quite clear that what initially started out as a tribal spat has moved far beyond what could be deemed reasonable, even by Yemeni standards.
After two months of escalating tensions and bloodshed, Sa’ada cisis could very well bury any hope for political reconciliation as two of Yemen’s political heavyweight settle out their differences.
So far, and despite the set-up by President Abdo Rabbo Mansour Hadi of a negotiating committee, no government action so far secured a truce, however brief. But with tensions flaring up in southern Yemen, many political and security experts have warned that Sana’a cannot afford to have so many open fronts at a time when it should be concentrated in implementing institutional changes.
As ever, Yemen’s future remains clouded in darkness and uncertainty.