Monthly Briefing/March 2026
Political Scene
The political trajectory during March reflected a clear overlap between the internationally recognized government’s efforts to restore its administrative and diplomatic capacities, and a calibrated Houthi military escalation aimed at linking the Yemeni arena to the broader regional conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
The political trajectory during March reflected a clear overlap between the internationally recognized government’s efforts to restore its administrative and diplomatic capacities and a calibrated Houthi military escalation aimed at linking the Yemeni arena to the broader regional conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
March 5 – Houthi leader Abdulmalik al-Houthi accused Gulf states of providing political, financial, and military cover for U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran, describing Iranian strikes as legitimate self-defense. This rhetoric reflects the depth of the group’s alignment within the Iranian axis.
March 5 – UN Special Envoy to Yemen Hans Grundberg stressed the importance of shielding Yemen from being drawn into a regional conflict, calling on all parties to exercise restraint and resume a comprehensive political process amid rising tensions linked to Iran.
March 10 – Security forces reclosed the headquarters of the (dissolved) Southern Transitional Council’s General Secretariat in Aden one day after it had been reopened, in the context of an ongoing political struggle over legitimacy and representation, accompanied by protests and accusations of restricting political activity.
March 14 – The Presidency issued decisions appointing new governors for Abyan, Lahj, and Al-Dhale, focusing on figures with combined military, administrative, and religious backgrounds in an effort to strengthen security and administrative stability in southern governorates.
March 17 – The UN Envoy expressed deep concern over a Houthi attack on Haradh District in Hajjah Governorate that resulted in civilian casualties, calling for civilian protection and accountability under international humanitarian law. The government criticized the envoy’s lukewarm statement regarding the incident.
March 22 – The Houthi group signaled potential military measures in response to any escalation against Iran, warning Arab states against participating in securing the Strait of Hormuz and highlighting risks of escalation in the Red Sea and threats to international navigation.
March 27 – During his visit to Washington, the UN Envoy reaffirmed the importance of international support for a comprehensive political process, warning of regional escalation risks and stressing the need to preserve peace prospects through coordinated international efforts.
March 28 – The Yemeni government renewed its condemnation of Iranian policies, accusing Tehran of using the Houthis to draw Yemen into regional conflicts following a Houthi missile attack on Israel, and called for a firm international response to protect sovereignty and regional security.
Military Scene
The military landscape in March remained largely static in territorial terms but active at the tactical level. Frontlines saw continued low-intensity clashes and reciprocal infiltration attempts, without meaningful shifts in control. At the same time, Houthi rhetoric increasingly linked battlefield dynamics to regional developments, suggesting a gradual transition from a localized conflict toward a more regionally embedded confrontation.
March 11 – Sheikh Hamoud al-Mikhlafi, head of the Supreme Council of Resistance, stated that preparations are underway to resume what he described as the “battle for full liberation,” emphasizing force readiness and calling for strengthening the internal front and improving governance and development models in areas under government control.
March 13 – Five government soldiers were killed and others injured while repelling a Houthi attack west of Taiz, in the Old Airport and Jabal Han fronts. Nine Houthi fighters were also reported killed.
March 15 – Al-Zaraniq forces reported repelling a Houthi infiltration attempt in the Hays front, south of Al-Hudaydah, following intense clashes that forced the attackers to withdraw, amid continued mutual shelling.
March 20 – Three soldiers were killed and three others injured in Houthi artillery shelling targeting positions of Tihama and Al-Zaraniq forces south of Al-Hudaydah, marking an escalation following failed infiltration attempts in the same area.
March 26 – Houthi leader Abdulmalik al-Houthi signaled the possibility of direct military intervention in support of Iran if escalation continues, affirming readiness and rejecting neutrality, alongside explicit threats to international navigation in the Bab al-Mandab.
March 28 – The Houthis announced the launch of ballistic missiles targeting southern Israel in support of Iran, with one missile intercepted, indicating a widening scope of confrontation and Yemen’s increasing entanglement in the regional conflict.
Economic Scene
Yemen’s economy is experiencing a state of “dual constriction,” marked by government efforts to rebuild the financial framework with external support, alongside a severe liquidity crisis affecting local markets due to the ongoing conflict with the Houthis. This reflects a deep gap between declared policies and monetary realities, threatening a rapid erosion of purchasing power.
March 1 – The Cabinet, chaired by Shaea Al-Zindani, approved the 2026 budget, with a focus on salaries, public services, and financial reform, describing it as a step toward restoring institutional functioning with Saudi support.
March 9 – The Minister of Transport confirmed government efforts to reactivate Aden Port and enhance its role as an international logistics hub by addressing fees and improving operational performance. This comes amid a noticeable increase in port activity and plans for cooperation with international companies to revive transit movement.
March 21 – The liquidity crisis escalated to unprecedented levels, resulting in cash shortages and rising prices. Analysts offered differing explanations, ranging from internal monetary factors to external pressures linked to regional developments.
Security Scene
The security landscape reflects a pattern of fragile control, where security forces have recorded notable successes in countering smuggling and organized crime, while breaches and high-impact incidents persist. This underscores a volatile environment in which smuggling networks intersect with political and military dynamics.
March 8 – Security forces in Al-Mukalla seized explosive devices and ammunition, one day after disrupting an attempt to smuggle DShK ammunition. Suspects were detained pending legal procedures.
March 8 – Violent clashes erupted between tribal gunmen and Houthi elements in Harf Sufyan District (Amran), stemming from a tribal vendetta. The fighting resulted in casualties on both sides, with mediation efforts temporarily halting the clashes amid continued tensions and military reinforcements.
March 13 – Customs authorities in Al-Mahra seized a shipment of 15 cryptocurrency mining devices that had been smuggled through manipulation of technical classification, as part of efforts to curb financial and technological smuggling.
March 15 – Security forces along the Hadramout coast seized a large quantity of weapons and munitions reportedly looted from Al-Rayyan camp and prepared for illicit sale. Those involved were arrested and referred for investigation.
March 18 – Islah-affiliated figure Adel al-Rouhani was seriously injured and three of his escorts killed in an armed attack targeting his vehicle east of Marib. The perpetrators fled to an unknown location.
March 24 – Government forces intercepted a vessel reportedly linked to Iran off the coast of Lahj, carrying dual-use materials said to be destined for the Houthis, as part of efforts to disrupt illicit supply networks.
Violations
The human rights landscape reveals a dual pattern of violations. The Houthi group continues systematic repression through abductions and enforced disappearances, while the government faces accusations of excessive use of force, reflecting the absence of an effective rights protection framework across all parties.
March 1 – The Houthi group abducted academic Ashwaq Al-Shamiri from her home in Sana’a and has forcibly disappeared her since November 2025, raising concerns over her health and denial of contact with her family.
March 11 – The Houthi group abducted photographer Yasser Hassan in Yarim District, Ibb Governorate, after documenting the collapse of a historic building. He was transferred to Houthi detention facilities, with reports indicating he is being held by intelligence services.
March 14 – The United Nations called on the Houthis to release lawyer Abdulmajid Sabra, who has been detained for six months without charges, warning that his detention may amount to enforced disappearance.
March 17 – Human Rights Watch accused the Yemeni government of using excessive force against protesters in Aden and Seiyun, resulting in deaths, injuries, and arbitrary arrests.
March 18 – The Ministry of Human Rights accused the Houthi group of obstructing the implementation of the “all-for-all” prisoner exchange principle and using detainees and forcibly disappeared individuals as political leverage. This coincided with escalating violations against civilians and humanitarian workers, alongside stalled Amman negotiations despite prior agreements.
March 25 – The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights renewed calls for the Houthis to release detained UN staff, warning of worsening conditions and the impact on humanitarian operations.
March 27 – Journalist Abdul Samad Al-Qadi was shot by unidentified gunmen in Taiz while on duty and later died of his injuries. Authorities opened an investigation into the incident.
Humanitarian Scene
The humanitarian situation is deteriorating further under compounded pressures from war, regional escalation, and natural disasters. Civilian losses are increasing and famine risks are expanding, reflecting the fragility of the humanitarian structure and the inability of local and international responses to contain the crisis.
March 11 – A UN report warned of a worsening famine crisis in Yemen, citing the expansion of conflict, rising food insecurity levels, and declining humanitarian funding.
March 15 – Thirteen civilians were killed and others injured in a Houthi missile attack targeting a house in Haradh District, Hajjah Governorate, during a communal iftar. Most of the victims were children.
March 15 – A woman died from injuries sustained by a Houthi sniper east of Taiz, more than a month after being shot, despite receiving treatment in a military hospital.
March 23 – A report by the Red Sea Center for Studies revealed that the Houthis have recruited thousands of African migrants for combat and arms smuggling, with over 2,900 reportedly killed, exacerbating regional security risks.
March 29 – Heavy rains and flooding in Taiz Governorate resulted in the deaths of 20 people, most of them children, with others reported missing and widespread damage recorded, amid the absence of an immediate government response.
