Amid news that the Houthis, under the leadership of tribal leader, Abdel-Malek al-Houthi have furthered advanced their front toward the capital, a clear sign that the sectarian spat in between two politico-religious factions (the Houthis and the Salafis) is fast turning into a regional insurrection, Sheikh Sadiq al-Ahmar (the power tribal leader of the Hashid confederation of tribes) has denounced Sana’a’s apathy.
Having called an emergency meeting at his residence to discuss Sa’ada, Sheikh al-Ahmar, who it is important to note weights heavenly in Yemen as both a political and tribal super-power, notwithstanding his massive fortune and strong ties to Yemen’s Sunni religious factions, has been keen to highlight the dangers Sa’ada represents for Yemen’s political transition.
Speaking of the prolonged siege of Dammaj, where civilians and Salafi militants have been trapped for months, unable to escape the Houthis’ deadly clench, Sheikh al-Ahmar warned that by doing nothing the government has proven to be guilty by omission.
In a fiery call for actions, the powerful Sheikh called on Yemen and the Yemenis as a united people to intervene and end all violence in the highlands. Sheikh al-Ahmar urged the authorities to immediately put a stop to the Houthis’ advances, stressing that their men’s heinous crimes against civilians should be met with utmost resolve, and not political apathy.
With fronts spread out in Sa’ada, Hajjah, al-Jawf, the Houthis would it seems have gained much more grounds than the Salafis and their political allies, in this case, al-Islah would care to admit, hence the calls for actions.