Since January of this year followers of the Malik al-Houthi have been waging a low intensity war against the superior forces of the Yemeni Army. Armed with jet fighters, heavy armour and a relatively sophisticated array of ground weaponry the Yemeni Army have been unable to shake the resistance of the Houthi fighters. Fighting continues to rage across Saada govenorate and to date has been limited there. Fighters from other Yemeni tribes have allegedly joined the government ranks, a move that lays the platform for future inter-tribal conflicts. The government has been unwilling to negotiate with the Houthis, despite having done so in two previous insurrections in 2004 and 2005. This move has suprised many, including myself. Yemen has repeatedly blamed Iran and Libya for supporting the rebels a sign that a different agenda is at play. It is possible that the government is doing this to secure further concession from the US (in terms of financial aid). Who knows? Meanwhile thousands of civilians continue to be displaced and hundreds of troops killed int he battles. The tragedy of Saada enters its fourth month.
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