Houthi leader Ali al-Qahoum admits to internal power struggles

Ali al-Qahoum, a prominent member of the Houthi political bureau, has publicly acknowledged deep internal divisions and power struggles within the movement. Describing the situation as a ‘cold war of attrition,’ al-Qahoum highlighted a lack of trust and intense competition over decision-making authority and financial resources.

Al-Qahoum attributed these internal fractures to a ‘sophisticated Afash lobby,’ referring to networks loyal to the late former Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh. He claimed these groups operate through closed-door sessions, using rumors and misinformation to marginalize loyal members and manipulate leadership perceptions. According to al-Qahoum, this process results in the exclusion of ‘honest elements’ while promoting those he characterizes as hypocrites, ultimately threatening the stability and integrity of the Houthi organization.