Expected Houthi escalation: calls for mass mobilization in support of Iran
In a move signaling a potential imminent Houthi escalation, the militia leader has called on his supporters to gather in large numbers in Sanaa on Friday, in solidarity with the Iranian regime.
The call issued by militia leader Abdulmalik al-Houthi represents an explicit prelude to a new phase of escalation that the group intends to launch under the banner of “solidarity with Iran,” raising the prospect of heightened tensions across the region.
The militia leader stated that the mobilization, which he described as “million-strong,” comes in support of Iran and against what he referred to as “American and Zionist arrogance targeting the entire region.”
Al-Houthi also attacked US President Donald Trump and the leaders of the United States, the United Kingdom, and Israel, warning of what he termed the “Greater Israel project” aimed at reshaping the Middle East.
By calling on his supporters to take to the streets, the Houthi leader seeks to pave the way for granting legitimacy to an anticipated new military escalation, which the group is expected to carry out should Iran come under any potential attack.
According to observers, Abdulmalik al-Houthi has habitually, ahead of any military escalation, called on his supporters and forcibly compelled residents to gather at Al-Sabeen Square in Sanaa, in order to provide popular cover and legitimacy for forthcoming attacks.
It is worth noting that the Houthi militias had recently threatened to resume attacks in the Red Sea, reviving concerns over an expansion of maritime targeting in one of the world’s most vital commercial shipping lanes.
