Yemen Defense Minister Retracts Plan to Target Tribal Gatherings

Yemen Defense Minister Taher al-Aqili retracted a statement that would have designated tribal mobilization gatherings, known as Nakf, in Houthi-controlled areas as military targets. Al-Aqili clarified that these civilian assemblies will not be targeted and stated the military will adhere to international humanitarian law. The reversal follows government claims that the Iran-aligned Houthi rebels use these meetings as cultural courses to recruit children and mobilize support.

The policy shift occurs as Saudi-backed government forces launch an offensive to reclaim territory near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Simultaneously, Houthi strikes on Saudi infrastructure forced Saudi Aramco to evacuate its Dhahran headquarters and prompted the United States to advise diplomats and their families to leave Saudi Arabia.

These escalating regional tensions have impacted global markets, contributing to a surge in Brent crude futures, which reached $114 per barrel on Friday.