Arab Coalition Denies Houthi Leader’s Claims on Brother’s Remains

Houthi supporters shout slogans as they hold their weapons up during a rally marking the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, in Sanaa, Yemen, 29 November 2024. EPA/YAHYA ARHAB
Houthi supporters shout slogans as they hold their weapons up during a rally marking the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, in Sanaa, Yemen, 29 November 2024. EPA/YAHYA ARHAB
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Arab Coalition Denies Houthi Leader’s Claims on Brother’s Remains

Houthi supporters shout slogans as they hold their weapons up during a rally marking the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, in Sanaa, Yemen, 29 November 2024. EPA/YAHYA ARHAB
Houthi supporters shout slogans as they hold their weapons up during a rally marking the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, in Sanaa, Yemen, 29 November 2024. EPA/YAHYA ARHAB

The Saudi-led Arab Coalition’s spokesman, Brig. Gen. Turki Al-Maliki, has denied Houthi leader Hussein Al-Ezzi's claims of a recent handover of his brother's body, calling them misleading.

Al-Maliki told Asharq Al-Awsat that the claims, circulated by Houthi-linked outlets, are “inaccurate and lack credibility.”

He clarified that the exchange of remains took place in June 2023, involving the recovery of nine Saudi soldiers and 20 Yemeni army personnel, as well as the return of 57 Houthi fighters killed at the border.

Hussein Al-Ezzi, a senior Houthi figure and former deputy foreign minister in Yemen’s unrecognized government, announced his brother’s death in a post on X, accompanied by a photo.

Al-Ezzi stated there would be no condolence gathering, claiming the focus should remain on the group’s fight against Israel.

When asked about the timing of the announcement, Al-Maliki dismissed the claims as misleading.

"Such statements are likely made for internal Houthi reasons. Notably, the name mentioned was not among those listed during negotiations for body exchanges. It’s possible this individual was killed in regional conflicts,” Al-Maliki said.

Al-Maliki emphasized that the coalition views the exchange of prisoners and remains as a strictly humanitarian matter.

“This issue should not be politicized by any party, in line with Islamic values, humanitarian principles, and cultural traditions,” he said.



Top Houthi Leaders Flee Sanaa Amid Trump-Ordered US Strikes

Top Houthi leaders disappear from Sanaa, communication cut off (Houthi Media)
Top Houthi leaders disappear from Sanaa, communication cut off (Houthi Media)
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Top Houthi Leaders Flee Sanaa Amid Trump-Ordered US Strikes

Top Houthi leaders disappear from Sanaa, communication cut off (Houthi Media)
Top Houthi leaders disappear from Sanaa, communication cut off (Houthi Media)

Senior Houthi leaders have disappeared from public life in Sanaa, gripped by fear of US airstrikes ordered by President Donald Trump, now entering their third week, sources in Yemen said.

The first-tier leadership of the Iran-aligned group is believed to have fled the capital, which remains under Houthi control, seeking shelter in remote areas of Saada and Amran provinces.

According to informed sources, the group’s leaders have severed traditional communication channels and several have either gone into hiding or relocated to undisclosed locations as a precaution against possible targeted strikes.

Since the launch of US airstrikes on March 15, senior and mid-level Houthi leaders have vanished from public view and social media platforms, Yemeni sources say, as fear of targeted attacks continues to grow within the group’s ranks.

Informed sources confirmed there has been no trace of the group’s top two tiers of leadership - neither in the institutions under Houthi control in Sanaa, nor on the streets and neighborhoods they once frequented in luxury vehicles.

Even the sectarian events that Houthi leaders were known to regularly attend have reportedly gone on without their visible presence.

The Houthi group has remained tight-lipped about the extent of its human and military losses following US airstrikes ordered by Trump.

However, sources say several leaders not belonging to the ruling family of Houthi leader Abdulmalik al-Houthi are still believed to be in Sanaa.

Many of these figures have adopted strict security measures to avoid detection, including travelling in vehicles with tinted windows and covering their faces with cloaks when leaving temporary residences, sources told Asharq Al-Awsat.

The precautions reflect growing fears of betrayal or being targeted by further strikes.

A source in Sanaa revealed that third-tier Houthi officials—mostly tribal figures and field supervisors—were instructed to flee to the northern provinces of Saada, Amran and other areas as US air raids intensified.

According to the source, mid-level Houthi officials have lost all direct contact with the group’s senior leadership after the latter switched locations and shut down their communication lines.