Houthi militias have sent dozens of its militants who hold foreign nationalities to Hodeidah governorate over the past two days, said Houthi governor on Wednesday.
They repositioned their fighters in the governorate, deployed more snipers to the rooftops of vital installations and bolstered their military capabilities by introducing large quantities of medium and heavy weapons to Hodeidah.
The militia’s movements in the city came after the assassination of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps’ Quds Force Commander Qassem Soleimani, Dr. al-Hassan al-Taher noted.
He said the militia’s recent acts seem like they are declaring war and hindering all efforts to complete the peace process and implement the provisions of the Stockholm Agreement.
Taher also accused the militias of redeploying a number of Iranian experts to neighboring areas.
According to previous military estimates, the number of Iranian experts present in Yemen, after the coup against the legitimate government, exceeds 250. All deployed experts are specialized in hostilities, armament and the remodeling and installation of many combat equipment, particularly the drone, which has been extensively used by the militias recently.
Taher told Asharq Al-Awsat that Houthis have been monitoring the legitimate government's security services and their movements inside the province.
“Houthis have exploited the humanitarian situation of some foreigners by preparing them militarily and sending them to Hodeidah in exchange for financial sums.”
Taher attributed the recruitment of foreign militants in Hodeidah to several factors, most notably the lack of fighters who either escaped battles or got killed during confrontations with the army.
“Many of Tihama residents also refuse to join the militia ranks, and those who joined them were threatened to do so", Taher explained.
He pointed out that the militias’ movements and reinforcements in Hodeidah have increased after Soleimani’s death, noting that they seek to please Iran and prove their loyalty.
The legitimate government, therefore, has taken all possible scenarios into consideration for a quick and strong response to any military attack.
