Tribes of Western Sanaa Affirm Readiness for Battle to Restore the Yemeni State

The tribes of western Sana’a—Hamdan, Bani Matar, Al-Haymatain, and Haraz—reaffirmed their commitment to support Yemen’s national forces in a decisive campaign against the Houthi militia during an expanded tribal assembly held Saturday, February 15, 2025, in Marib Governorate. The gathering underscored their resolve to restore Yemen’s internationally recognized government and end the Houthi insurgency, which they condemned as a threat to the nation’s sovereignty and social cohesion.

In a unified statement, the tribes urged all Yemeni factions to form a cohesive front against the Houthis, accusing the Iran-aligned group of perpetrating widespread atrocities, destabilizing Yemen’s social fabric, and advancing foreign agendas to transform the country into an Iranian satellite. “The militia’s crimes and its imposition of a sectarian identity betray Yemen’s heritage and independence,” the statement read.

Praising the resilience of Yemen’s army, security forces, and allied resistance groups, the tribes honored the sacrifices made since the Houthi rebellion began, framing these efforts as the cornerstone of eventual victory. They emphasized unwavering loyalty to fallen soldiers and civilians who died defending Yemen’s republican system, vowing to “avenge martyrs’ blood and reclaim the state from militias.”

The assembly also called on Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council and government to prioritize national unity, accelerate resource mobilization, and bolster military operations to dismantle what they described as the “Iranian-backed Houthi project.” Additionally, they lauded the Arab Coalition, led by Saudi Arabia, for its role in supporting Yemen’s legitimacy and countering Houthi aggression, urging sustained regional and international backing to hasten an end to the conflict.

The meeting in Marib, a strategic stronghold in Yemen’s protracted war, signals escalating efforts to consolidate anti-Houthi alliances amid stalled peace initiatives. Observers note the tribes’ influence could prove pivotal in shaping the next phase of the conflict, which has displaced millions and triggered one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.