Houthi Military Buildup Intensifies in Al Jawf Province

Houthi forces have executed significant military maneuvers in Al Jawf province in recent days, including large-scale troop mobilizations, the establishment of new combat positions and fortifications, and the digging of trenches, coupled with the planting of mines and the rotation of field commanders. These actions signal escalating combat preparations amid rising tribal tensions and the potential for a major offensive from "Matareh Al Karama."

According to military sources, the militia has deployed 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 of Al Jawf, specifically in the districts of Khab and Al Sha'af, as well as in Al Yatmah, Al Khonjer, and the Aqabah mountains in the western areas of Khab and Al Sha'af, and east of Al Rawdah. The forces have commenced digging trenches using heavy machinery and have begun mining several locations.

The sources further indicated that the reinforcements include over 60 mounted technical vehicles equipped with .50 caliber sniper rifles, approximately 15 other technical vehicles and jeeps armed with 23mm caliber machine guns and Katyusha rocket launchers, as well as 122mm howitzers and self-propelled artillery. These additions are intended to bolster the militia's combat capabilities in the region.

Military sources confirmed that the Houthis have conducted a widespread replacement of field commanders in recent days, reinforcing front-line positions, deploying new elements to most existing sites, and establishing new outposts, with many of these personnel originating from outside Al Jawf province.

Dozens of vehicles loaded with fighters and medium to heavy weaponry have been observed heading towards Al Jawf province via areas under Houthi control. Most of these reinforcements reportedly arrived from the governorates of Sana'a, Amran, and Saada before reaching Al Hazm city, the provincial capital controlled by the Iran-backed Houthi militia. The reinforcements have been positioned in the eastern areas of the province, particularly in the Al Yatmah district, with new checkpoints established and armed presence increased within Al Hazm city.

These military movements coincide with rising tribal unrest in the province following the expiration of a deadline given by tribal leaders to the Houthi militia. Tribal gatherings continue to arrive at Matareh Al Rayyan, preparing for a "Nakf Al Karama" mobilization should the militia fail to address their demands. Sources suggest the militia is exploiting the current atmosphere of de-escalation and ongoing negotiations to enhance its military fortifications and reposition its forces, thereby strengthening its defensive lines. This reflects an effort to increase its field readiness in anticipation of potential military or tribal developments.