Houthi Escalation in Al-Jawf: Reinforcements Sent to Bir Al-Maraziq as Intelligence Plans Target Al-Rayyan Encampments from Within

     New information points to mortar deployments in Al-Khanjar and Jabal Al-Rayyan, alongside efforts to ignite tribal disputes ahead of a possible confrontation

Sheba Intelligence has obtained new information indicating that the Houthi group has pushed additional fighters and military reinforcements into Bir Al-Maraziq in Yemen’s northern Al-Jawf governorate, while deploying mortar units in areas near Al-Khanjar and Jabal Al-Rayyan. The moves appear to be aimed at preparing for any possible attack by tribes aligned with Sheikh Hamad bin Rashid bin Fadgham against Houthi positions.

The developments come amid continuing tension around the Al-Rayyan tribal encampments, which have become a growing center of tribal mobilization after Bin Fadgham called for a tribal nakf following his detention and the case of the woman known as Mira Saddam Hussein. The gathering has drawn tribal figures and fighters from several areas, raising Houthi concerns that the encampment could turn into a broader tribal challenge to the group’s authority.

According to the information obtained by Sheba Intelligence, Houthi moves are not limited to military preparations. The group is also making broad intelligence arrangements to carry out operations inside the encampments, including possible assassinations and attempts to ignite revenge disputes among tribes and dignitaries arriving in Al-Rayyan, particularly tribesmen from the belt surrounding Sanaa, including Khawlan, Nihm, Al-Haymah and Bani Matar.

The objective, according to the information, is to weaken the tribal alliance from within and trigger internal conflict that would allow the Houthis to strike the encampment without entering a direct confrontation that could widen tribal solidarity against them.

The information also indicates that Houthi commanders linked to the Sixth and Third Military Regions are present in Al-Hazm, where they are working on a field plan to deal with the encampments, including the option of storming them if containment or infiltration efforts fail. According to the sources, the Houthis view the Al-Rayyan gathering as one of the last significant tribal movements capable of encouraging other tribes in areas under their control to challenge their authority.

In parallel, the group has reinforced its deployment with a large number of military vehicles in Bir Al-Maraziq, Al-Yatmah and Al-Mahashim, amid fears that a wider tribal coordination may be underway to retake areas controlled by the Houthis in Al-Jawf in the coming days.

Sheba Intelligence previously reported that the Houthis were moving to contain the Al-Rayyan nakf amid fears that it could develop into an armed tribal rebellion. That report noted divisions inside the group between a current pushing for de-escalation and limited concessions, and another current warning that any retreat under tribal pressure could encourage other areas to defy Houthi rule.

The latest information suggests that the group has moved from political and tribal containment to a dual strategy combining military buildup, intelligence preparation and attempts to fragment the gathering through security and tribal tools. The deployment of mortars and reinforcements around Al-Rayyan reflects Houthi concern that the crisis could expand from a specific tribal dispute into a symbolic confrontation against the group’s authority in northern Yemen.

Although Sheikh Bin Fadgham has stated in circulated videos that his demands are specific and do not carry direct political or military objectives, the scale of tribal arrivals and the widening solidarity beyond Al-Jawf have pushed the crisis beyond its original scope. It is now becoming a sensitive test of the Houthis’ relationship with the tribes and their ability to contain tribal anger without triggering an open confrontation.

The situation in Al-Jawf could enter a more dangerous phase if the Houthis move ahead with infiltration, assassination attempts or a direct attack on the encampments. Such a scenario could expand the nakf, open new tribal fronts and intensify resentment in areas where Houthi interference in tribal norms and traditional leadership remains highly sensitive.