Houthi militias have reportedly undertaken significant military preparations in Al Jawf province in recent days, including large-scale troop mobilizations, the establishment of new combat positions and fortifications, trench digging, and mine deployment. These actions, coupled with the rotation of field commanders, suggest escalating combat readiness amid rising tribal tensions and the potential for a major tribal offensive from "Matareh Al Karama." Sources indicate that the militia has dispatched substantial reinforcements, comprising fighters from outside the province, along with military vehicles and equipment, towards the front lines. Their deployment is concentrated in the eastern desert areas of Al Jawf, specifically in the districts of Khab and Al Sha'af, Al Yatma, Al Khonjer, and the Aqabah mountains in the western parts of Khab and Al Sha'af, and east of Al Rawdah. Concurrently, they have begun excavating trenches using heavy machinery and planting minefields in several locations. The reinforcements reportedly include over 60 mounted technical vehicles equipped with .50 caliber sniper rifles, approximately 15 troop transport vehicles and technicals armed with 23mm caliber machine guns and Katyusha rocket launchers, as well as 122mm howitzers and self-propelled artillery. These deployments are aimed at bolstering the militia's combat capabilities in the region. Sources have confirmed a widespread replacement of field commanders in recent days, with enhanced support for the front lines and the deployment of new elements to most existing positions, alongside the creation of new sites. Many of these newly deployed personnel are reportedly from outside Al Jawf province. Dozens of vehicles carrying fighters and medium to heavy weaponry were observed heading towards Al Jawf province via areas under Houthi control. Much of these reinforcements originated from the provinces of Sana'a, Amran, and Sa'dah, before reaching the provincial capital, Al Hazm, which is under the control of the Iran-backed Houthi militia. The reinforcements have primarily positioned themselves in the eastern regions of the province, particularly in the Al Yatma district, with the establishment of new checkpoints and increased armed presence within Al Hazm city. These military movements coincide with escalating tribal unrest in the province following the expiration of a deadline given to the Houthi militia by local tribes. Tribal forces continue to converge on Matareh Al Rayan, preparing for a "Nakf Al Karama" offensive if the militia fails to address their demands. It is believed that the militia is leveraging the current atmosphere of de-escalation and ongoing negotiations to strengthen its military fortifications, reposition its forces, and reinforce its defensive lines, reflecting a strategy to enhance its operational readiness in anticipation of potential military or tribal developments. |
