Amid the ongoing complexities of the Yemeni conflict, a new chapter may be unfolding with the establishment of a unified military command aimed at reclaiming control from the Houthi movement. The formation of the Supreme Military Committee (SMC) by Yemen’s internationally recognized government has instilled a sense of renewed hope among many citizens, including soldiers like Naef, who have long yearned for stability in a war-ravaged nation. With Saudi support, this initiative represents a crucial stride toward broadening military collaboration while addressing the myriad challenges that have hampered peace and governance over the last decade.
In Sanaa, Yemen, Naef, a government soldier, has been serving for nine years. Initially joining the army in 2016 at the age of 19, he believed that the Yemeni government’s battle against the Houthi rebel group would be a short-lived endeavor. Now, nearly a decade later, the conflict remains unresolved, with the Houthis still holding Sanaa. According to Naef, the government’s inability to unify its efforts has been a significant factor in the ongoing struggle. For years, government troops and anti-Houthi forces have pursued conflicting agendas, with many southern fighters backing the Southern Transitional Council (STC), complicating the possibilities of a cohesive military response.
Recently, a significant shift occurred. The STC attempted to consolidate control across southern and eastern Yemen, but this strategy faltered under pressure from pro-government forces, backed by Saudi Arabia. The STC is now fractured, with some leaders in hiding and claims of the group’s dissolution surfacing. In response, the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), the internationally recognized Yemeni authority led by President Rashad al-Alimi, has taken decisive steps. On January 10, the PLC established the Supreme Military Committee (SMC) to oversee and integrate all anti-Houthi military units under one command, fostering a unified front against the Houthis.
Al-Alimi heralded the SMC as a critical vehicle for vanquishing the Houthis and restoring peace to Yemen. This announcement represents a pivotal turn in the decade-long conflict and has revived hope for individuals like Naef, who now sees the prospect of the government regaining strength in southern Yemen. With Saudi backing, Naef feels it is now possible for government forces to push into Houthi-controlled territories in northwestern Yemen if peaceful negotiations falter.
The SMC’s formation, however, has raised concerns among Houthi supporters in northern Yemen. Hamza Abdu, a 24-year-old Houthi advocate in Sanaa, describes the SMC as an effort to reorganize foreign proxies in the south, warning that while this committee may reduce friction among southern militant factions, it could increase the Saudi influence over the region. He expressed fears that this military committee could provoke renewed hostilities against the Houthis, whose forces have maintained their position despite significant military engagements over the past decade.
Houthi leaders warn that their forces remain vigilant, asserting that the SMC’s formation will not undermine their authority. Military analysts within Houthi circles contend that an escalation of conflict could serve foreign interests, suggesting that any renewed confrontation with the Houthis would primarily benefit external powers. They argue for a political resolution as the only feasible solution to the ongoing crisis.
Despite the challenges, some experts believe that the SMC could potentially stabilize southern territories and improve the humanitarian situation for civilians. Adel Dashela, a Yemeni researcher affiliated with MESA Global Academy, emphasizes that establishing security could strengthen the Yemeni government’s position in any future negotiations with the Houthis. Abdulsalam Mohammed, a prominent researcher, suggests the recent shifts in the south convey a crucial message to the Houthis: they are not invincible.
Yemen has endured a proliferation of armed groups, which has fragmented governance and intensified conflict, inflicting heavy suffering upon the civilian population. Many ordinary citizens, such as Fawaz Ahmed from Aden, are hopeful that the SMC will help restore order and curb illicit activities by armed factions. The establishment of cohesive military leadership is crucial for tackling the lawlessness that is prevalent in southern cities. As Fawaz articulates, the desire for a peaceful, secure urban environment in Aden is shared by many, and achieving this will depend on the unification of military efforts currently at hand.
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