Yemen's Al‑Jawf sees massive tribal gathering amid intensified Houthi security

For the thirteenth consecutive day, tribal delegations have streamed into the "Matrakh al‑Reyan" gathering in Yemen's Al‑Jawf governorate. The rally was called by Sheikh Hamad bin Rashid bin Fadgham al‑Hazmi, head of the Dham tribal forum, and has attracted tribes from Marib, Hadhramaut, Taiz, and other regions. Participants say they are preparing a "decisive, irreversible" decision once all delegations have arrived, framing the movement as a defense of tribal customs and rights.

At the same time, the Houthi authorities have stepped up security measures in Al‑Jawf, imposing strict checkpoint controls and limiting movement across major entry points. They have also staged a parallel tribal event in Al‑Yatima, the hometown of Sheikh al‑Hazmi, featuring pro‑Houthi tribal figures. Observers note that the expanding tribal mobilization signals growing strain in the Houthis' relationship with the tribal base that underpins their rule in northern Yemen.