Assassination of Sheikh Al-Salahi Ignites Fierce Clashes Between Tribes and Houthis in Al Jawf

The assassination of a prominent sheikh in Al Jawf province by Houthi militants has triggered widespread anger and violent armed confrontations, escalating tensions and threatening a complete breakdown of order in the eastern Yemeni governorate.

Tribal sources confirmed to Al-Khabar News Agency that Houthi militia elements carried out the execution of Sheikh Nasser Al-Salahi on Saturday in the Afi area of the Al Yatmah district. This assassination follows Sheikh Al-Salahi's significant role in mobilizing tribal support from the Daham tribes in protest against the militia's continued abduction of Sheikh Hamad bin Fadgham Al-Hazmi.

Shortly after the assassination, intense clashes erupted between tribal fighters and militia elements in the same area, resulting in the deaths of three Houthi militants. According to sources, Sheikh Al-Salahi's killing was the "last straw" that extinguished hopes for de-escalation and provoked the outrage of the Daham tribes, who viewed the incident as a betrayal and a violation of all tribal customs and traditions.

In a retaliatory response, the Houthi militia launched a widespread manhunt targeting individuals from the Dhu Muhammad tribe and neighboring tribes, further intensifying popular and tribal resentment in the region.

The roots of the current crisis trace back to April 20, when the militia abducted Sheikh Hamad bin Rashid Fadgham Al-Hazmi, prompting the Daham tribes to mobilize militarily in the Al Yatmah plains. Despite previous Houthi promises of his release, which led to the temporary withdrawal of tribal gatherings, the militia's reneging on its commitments and its deployment of assassination squads to target tribal leaders have transformed the crisis into an open armed conflict.