Houthi Militia Suppresses Tribal Gathering in Arhab, Organizes Counter-Event

In the Arhab district north of Sana'a, Houthi militia leaders and supervisors have suppressed a significant tribal gathering organized by local sheikhs. The original gathering aimed to address the fate of two abducted young girls, Batoul and Samah Fatah Ahmed Abdullah Al-Qammadi, who have been missing for two months.

Tribal sources confirmed that the militia confronted the sheikhs' efforts with direct threats and intimidation. This action was reportedly taken out of fear that the tribal gathering would expose the Houthi militia's severe security failures and to shield the perpetrators, who are suspected by some to be members of the militia itself.

To circumvent the situation and divert attention, the Houthi militia has orchestrated a fabricated tribal gathering scheduled for Monday. This counter-event is being promoted under the guise of addressing the case of "Meera Saddam Hussein," whom the militia claims is "Sumayya Al-Zubairi," in an apparent attempt to assert their connection to Arhab.

Observers suggest that this Houthi-led initiative, involving loyal sheikhs, is intended to undermine and disrupt a genuine and widespread tribal gathering that has been ongoing for five consecutive days at "Matareh Al-Karama" in the Al-Rayan area, Khub Wa Ash Sha'af district, Al Jawf Governorate. This larger gathering was called for by Sheikh Hamad bin Rashid bin Fadgham Al-Hazmi and has garnered substantial support and solidarity from various Yemeni tribes.