Houthi leaders suddenly disappear from Sanaa: residents expect a big war

Residents of Sanaa have noticed that hundreds of Houthi commanders and senior officials have stopped appearing in public places, with increased checks and arrests. According to Arab sources, many are changing their places of residence and restricting movement. Residents link this to preparations for a new escalation, fearing strikes on Sanaa. Reports suggest Saudi Arabia may be preparing actions against the Houthis. The group continues to collect taxes and has intensified recruitment of fighters.

Residents of Sanaa have noticed unusual changes in the behavior of Houthi leadership and fear a new round of conflict. Hundreds of commanders, fighters, and senior Houthi representatives have stopped appearing in public places in Sanaa. Simultaneously, security measures have been intensified in the city, with more frequent checks, arrests, and surveillance of residents. According to Arab sources, many group members have begun changing their places of residence, going out less often, and restricting movement between districts. Those who remain visible are mainly those responsible for running institutions, collecting funds, and carrying out current tasks. Residents of Sanaa link these events to possible preparations for a new regional escalation. Fears are spreading in the city that the Houthi leadership is moving into a covert mode of operation in advance and preparing for strikes on key targets or for a retaliatory military operation by the group's opponents. Additional concern was raised by reports of possible preparations by Saudi Arabia for new actions against the Houthis. Against this backdrop, residents fear that Sanaa will again come under strikes, and the population will lose the remnants of stability, income, and access to basic services. Some compare the atmosphere in the capital to the period preceding the Houthi takeover of the city about ten years ago. At that time, increased control, the disappearance of some commanders, and a rise in military activity were also accompanied by sharp political changes. At the same time, the Houthis continue to collect taxes and various payments despite the worsening economic situation. Simultaneously, the group has intensified recruitment of new fighters, using both pressure and financial promises. Residents also report increased surveillance and new detentions. According to them, any suspicion of disloyalty can lead to interrogations or arrest, and movement through certain areas has become more difficult.