Within seven days, Houthi militias have deployed some of its most elite forces in retaliation to military operations mounted by pro-government forces in Yemen’s central governorate of Al-Bayda, where the Iran-backed group had lost hold of the districts of al-Zahir and al-Soumaa.
Despite sending the “Hussein Brigades,” the insurgency militia failed in regaining any of the ground it lost and ended up entangled in hit-and-run battles that saw over 200 Houthi combatants killed, pro-government military media sources revealed.
Meanwhile, Yemeni army forces, backed by the Saudi-led Arab Coalition and Popular Resistance units, are determined to liberate Al-Bayda from the grip of Houthis, government sources told Asharq Al-Awsat.
Al-Bayda is considered highly strategic given its geographic location connecting it to eight other surrounding governorates. Houthis losing the central governorate will deal a severe blow to the entire insurgency they lead.
For the time being, Houthis shifted their strategy in Al-Bayda to focus on replenishing depleted ranks by deploying more artillery and fighters while continuing a terror campaign against local tribes.
Houthis are also isolating Al-Bayda locals by cutting off communications and spreading fake news.
A week ago, Popular Resistance forces, made up of Al Homaiqan and Yafei tribesmen, had joined the Yemeni army’s Giants Brigades in launching a far-reaching military campaign dubbed “Al-Najm Al-Thaqib” (Piercing Star) against Houthi positions in Al Bayda.
The Yemeni forces freed the entire al-Zahir district, located west of the governorate’s capital city, also called Al-Bayda. Other surrounding areas were also regained from Houthis.
In fear of losing the capital city and hoping to retake lost positions, Houthis deployed some 3,000 militants reinforced with a heavy-weight military arsenal equipped with drones.
As for how the international community views the fight for Al-Bayda, Houthi leaders are trying to sell false rumors that the forces inching in on their territory belong to terror groups like Al-Qaeda and ISIS to draw sympathy and support from Washington and the West.
