How Houthis militarized Ibb province in Yemen into their armed camp - analysis

The Houthi movement has significantly militarized Ibb province in Yemen, converting the region, previously celebrated as the country's "green paradise," into a fortified military barracks over the last 11 years. This transformation is detailed in a report by Al-Ain media, which highlights the strategic importance of Ibb, located north of Taiz and south of the capital Sana'a.

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Since seizing control of it 11 years ago, the Houthis have transformed Yemen’s Ibb province from a tourist capital of the country known as the ‘Green Paradise’ into a fortified military barracks.

Ibb province, home to approximately 4 million people and known for its agricultural highlands, now functions as a critical Houthi military reconnaissance center. Its strategic position allows the Houthis to monitor movements towards the Red and Arabian Seas, southern Yemen, and the Tihama coastal plain. The province acts as a balance point within Yemen, situated 190km from Sana'a and 230km from Aden.

According to Al-Ain's reporting, which cites security and military sources, the Houthis have constructed an advanced defensive wall in an arc shape along Ibb's borders. This includes over 14 fixed and mobile military sites within the Al-Radhma district alone, such as Al-Hadi Fort and Jabal Habwa. These sites are equipped to support neighboring fronts in Al-Dhali' and Al-Bayda' governorates.

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It is considered the largest Houthi military reconnaissance center towards the Red and Arabian Seas and towards southern Yemen and Tihama.

The Houthi forces in the region include the "18th Samad Reserve Brigade" and "Rapid Intervention Units." These forces are equipped with vehicles, medium missile launchers, and drone launch platforms. Defensive positions have also been established in districts like Al-Nadirah, Ba'dan, and Al-Sabrah, utilizing main roads to facilitate troop movement and secure supply lines for reinforcements.

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the Houthi militias have built more than 14 fixed and mobile sites in the district, most notably Al-Hadi Fort, Jabal Habwa, and “Al-Daam and Azal Forts.