Yemen: Anti-Houthi demonstration held in Taiz August 13

Event

Several thousand people staged a demonstration in the southwestern city of Taiz on Thursday, August 13, against Houthi rebel activity in areas of the surrounding governorate. Protesters reportedly called for Saudi-led coalition forces to increase their operations against Houthi forces in the Taiz region.

The protests follow a number of recent security incidents in the Taiz governorate in recent weeks, including clashes on the road between Al-Turbah and Taiz on Sunday, August 9, in which at least four civilians were killed.

Further protests and associated localized disruptions are possible in Taiz in the medium term.

Context

Yemen is engaged in a complex and multifaceted conflict, ongoing since 2015 when Houthi rebels entered a civil war with the Yemeni government, which is supported by a Saudi-led coalition. Houthi rebels have launched hundreds of missile, rocket, and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) attacks targeting coalition forces and civilian population centers in the west and center of the country, particularly around Marib, throughout the conflict. Although many of these have been intercepted by coalition air defenses, hundreds of civilians have been killed in Houthi missile strikes.

Advice

Due to poor security conditions, many Western governments strongly advise their citizens against all travel to Yemen. Travel to the country should only be considered with proper security protocols in place. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.