Yemen coastal conflict and Tihami Resistance formation

Tariq Saleh, Deputy Chairman of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council, announced the formation of the ‘Tihami Resistance’. This new military force, led by Major General Zayed Mansar, incorporates the first and second divisions of the National Resistance and will operate with full financial, administrative, and operational autonomy while coordinating with the Arab Coalition.

The announcement follows increased military activity on Yemen’s western coast, including Houthi advances in Hodeidah, Taiz, and Red Sea islands, alongside government airstrikes in Mocha, Taiz, Lahj, and Al-Dhale.

In response to these developments, journalist Mohammed Al-Masbi has advocated for a strategic restructuring to liberate the coast. He argues that the Tihama region is essential to curbing Houthi influence and suggests that local populations must be politically and militarily empowered. Al-Masbi emphasized the need to maintain the distinct identity of the Tihama resistance and noted a lack of regional representation within the Presidential Leadership Council.