US embassy cable - 04SANAA1936

C O N F I D E N T I A L SANAA 001936 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/08/2014 
TAGS: KISL, PGOV, PINR, PREL, PTER, COUNTER TERRORISM 
SUBJECT: BLOODY CLASHES CONTINUE BETWEEN ROYG AND SHIA 
REBEL AL-HOUTHI 
 
Classified By: Charge d'Affairs Nabeel Khoury; reasons 1.5 (b) and (d). 
 
1.  (C)  Embassy sources contradict press accounts that ROYG 
forces encircled extremist Shi'ite leader Hussein al-Houthi 
in the northern region of Marran on August 5.  Rather it 
seems fighting has intensified in the past few days and 
continues to be particularly bloody for the ROYG. 
 
2.  (C)  Local press quoted Ministry of Defense sources 
saying ROYG forces controlled the Jabal al-Hakimi area where 
al-Houthi and his aides were reportedly holed-up.  Despite 
high casualties, failed cease-fires, and rising concerns over 
sectarian strife and tribal intervention, the ROYG maintains 
that the conflict will soon be resolved positively. Press 
accounts cite low casualty numbers and repeatedly talk of 
mediation efforts. 
 
3.  (C)  Comment:  The ROYG's optimistic portrayal of events 
is likely designed to mask the Central Government's 
difficulties in quelling al-Houthi's rebellion.  Prolonged 
large scale fighting and reported tribal discontent could 
threaten Saleh's careful balance between tribal and political 
interests in the Sa'da region.  End Comment. 
KHOURY