Collapse creeps into the Houthi leadership' ranks after Assad's regime fell
The Iran-backed Houthis are living in a state of anxiety and fear after the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria, which was considered one of Tehran's key allies in the region. This is seen as a severe blow to the so-called "Resistance Axis" led by Iran in the region.
Analysts and observers believe that the Houthis, who live geographically isolated from the rest of the "Axis" except for smuggling Iranian weapons, military equipment, drugs, and sending experts from the Revolutionary Guard to Yemen to manage the political and military affairs of the militia, are now more fearful than ever of recent developments, including international sanctions on Tehran, which are expected to lead to a decline in Iranian influence, in addition to the growing popular unrest in Yemen for over a decade due to war, destruction, salary cuts, and worsening economic crisis.
At the same time, the militia is reinforcing its propaganda to boost the morale of its supporters, but the Yemeni street appears to be more aware of the changing power dynamics in the region.
Sources told Khabar Agency that the relocation of prominent Houthi leaders' residences in Sanaa to unknown neighborhoods in complete secrecy, intensifying their movements, while luxurious bulletproof cars were seen leaving Sanaa at various times heading towards Saada province, the stronghold of the group's leader, which had been fortified with a wide network of tunnels in anticipation of this moment.
The movements shrouded in complete secrecy have also been noticeable in Hodeidah, with reports indicating evacuations of high-ranking Houthi leaders and others from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard leadership.
Regionally, observers believe that the fall of Assad represents a major blow to the Iranian "Resistance Axis," which relied on Syria as a strategic pivot in the region, leading to a reshuffling of alliances and a reduction of Iranian influence in Yemen, potentially weakening the Houthis in any future peace negotiations. With the decline of this axis, the Houthis find themselves in a real dilemma, as their chances of continuing as a regional force diminish, losing one of the most important factors of political and military support.
In any case, amidst these developments, the Houthis are more isolated internationally and regionally than ever before, which may hasten their end.
Military officials and observers believe that any political settlement with the Houthis without their military defeat is nothing but a betrayal of the Yemeni people, exacerbating the crisis and loosening the noose around the group's neck to reorganize their military and economic cards.
The Yemeni people can no longer bear more gambles and failed political experiments after enduring ten years of war, displacement, persecution, and oppression.