[REVISION HISTORY]

Yemeni government opposition to Houthi ideology

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What changed

2026-10-21 17:18 UTC → 2026-11-07 19:22 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The Yemeni Ministry of Endowments and Guidance has intensified its efforts to counter Houthi ideology. Initially, Minister Sheikh Turki bin Abdullah al-Wada'i called upon religious scholars and preachers to address what he described as “deviant ideas and extremist rhetoric” promoted by the Houthi militia. He urged the promotion of a moderate approach to protect the national identity and religious awareness of children and youth. This ideological struggle has expanded into diplomatic friction. The Ministry later issued a condemnation of the Grand Mufti of Oman, Sheikh Ahmed bin Hamad al-Khalili, accusing his remarks of providing “moral cover” for the Houthi militia. The Ministry rejected claims that the group protects religious sites, asserting instead that the militia has targeted mosques and Quranic centers. Building on these efforts, Minister al-Wada'i recently urged scholars to support national mobilization efforts initiated by Presidential Leadership Council President Rashad al-Alimi. In response, Yemeni scholars and religious leaders issued a collective call for national mobilization during an annual forum in Aden, releasing a religious fatwa characterizing the fight against the Houthis as a duty to protect the nation's identity. A subsequent religious forum in Al-Mukalla, Hadramaut, also emphasized the necessity of unity behind the legitimate leadership and condemned Houthi ballistic missile attacks on civilian infrastructure and holy sites. Concurrently, Yemeni Foreign Minister Dr. Afrah al-Zouba has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to restoring state institutions and securing the nation's territory, coasts, and territorial waters. Speaking to Sputnik, Al-Zouba emphasized that recent developments on the West Coast do not allow the Houthi group to impose a “fait accompli through force.” She noted that the political leadership is following an “integrated deterrence” approach, combining military response with diplomatic efforts, institutional strengthening, and humanitarian aid. She further warned that military control over a geographic location does not grant the right to control maritime navigation in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab. Building on these efforts, Minister al-Wada'i recently urged scholars to support national mobilization efforts initiated by Presidential Leadership Council President Rashad al-Alimi. In response to these calls, Yemeni scholars and religious leaders issued a collective call for national mobilization during an annual forum in Aden, releasing a religious fatwa characterizing the fight against the Houthis as a duty to protect the nation's identity.

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