The Muslim Brotherhood Crush the Last Line of Defense Against the Houthis… and Open a New Front Against Marib’s Tribes

Violent clashes broke out at dawn yesterday in Yemen’s Marib province between members of the Abidah tribes and military forces loyal to the Islah Party (Muslim Brotherhood), resulting in over 30 injuries on both sides.

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The confrontations erupted in the towns of Al-Dhamin and Al-Rakah in the Wadi Abidah area, east of Marib, near the international road connecting to Hadramout governorate. The clashes brought traffic to a complete standstill in this vital corridor.

The escalation began when Brotherhood-affiliated forces seized tribal trucks and trailers transporting marble stones from Mount Al-Hujaili in the Al-Thaniyah area of Al-Wadi district, citing a tribal dispute over the mountain and ordering a halt to mining operations.

In retaliation, the Al-Jalal and Al-Mu’aily tribes blocked oil and gas tankers from entering Marib city, aiming to pressure the Brotherhood-aligned forces into releasing the confiscated vehicles.

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Sources reported that Brotherhood forces used excessive force against the tribes and launched military campaigns backed by drones, which bombed tribal positions, triggering fierce battles.

The conflict disrupted the main international road between Marib and Hadramout and worsened the humanitarian and living conditions for travelers and residents in the region.

As the situation deteriorated, tribal mediators led by several sheikhs attempted to defuse tensions and halt the fighting. However, the clashes are still ongoing amid fears that they could escalate into a full-scale conflict between the tribes and the Muslim Brotherhood.

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This is not the first confrontation of its kind. Similar fighting erupted in mid-2023, resulting in the death of tribal leader Mubarak bin Taleb. The Abidah region has also seen internal fighting previously, reportedly incited by the Brotherhood.

The Brotherhood is accused of attempting to weaken the Marib tribes in service of regional agendas, notably by supporting the Houthi militias. Entire areas in the districts of Murad, Jahm, Al-Jada’an, and Bani Jabr were reportedly handed over without resistance, an act widely denounced as “treason.”

In contrast, the Abidah tribes remain the last line of defense for Marib against the Houthis, waging a dual battle against incursions from both the Brotherhood and the Iran-backed Houthi militias.

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