Yemen Defense Minister apologizes for warning against tribal gatherings

Tahir al-Aqili, the Defense Minister of the internationally recognized Yemeni government, has issued a formal apology to Yemeni tribes following a controversial warning issued by the Ministry of Defense. The original warning, published on October 22, 2026, suggested that tribal gatherings and mobilization cycles in Houthi-controlled areas could be considered legitimate military targets due to their use in recruiting fighters.

Al-Aqili described the initial statement as “wrong and unacceptable” and announced that an immediate investigation has been launched into the circumstances surrounding its release. He emphasized that Yemeni tribes are a fundamental pillar in the struggle to restore state institutions and asserted that the armed forces will not target tribal or civilian gatherings, whether they are social or part of a tribal mobilization (nakf).

The apology has sparked significant debate among journalists and political activists. Some view the move as a necessary correction of an official error, while others criticize it as a sign of institutional instability. Critics have questioned whether the ministry failed to distinguish between social gatherings and military mobilizations, and some activists expressed concern that the reversal could weaken the government's stance against Houthi recruitment efforts.