The Emiratis' growing hold of the strategically located territory through a mix of military action and humanitarian work has clearly put the Houthi fighters on edge, prompting the seizure of a UAE boat heading back from the island. [...]
Iran is determined to keep on top of the strategic battle for Marib and has appointed Abdul Reza Shahlai, a senior military official who will not be given a diplomatic title, to replace Hassan Erlou, its ambassador in Sa'ana, who died in mysterious circumstances last month. [...]
The Yemeni subsidiary of Al Qaeda, which had been virtually given up for dead since 2017, is determined to return to the fray under new leadership. It plans to carry out a major recruitment drive and set up an efficient counter-espionage service. [...]
Still determined to seize the strategic town of Maarib, the Houthis are reorganising their troops and counting on their spymaster Abu Ali al-Haqem to ensure infiltration of the local tribal community. Meanwhile, loyalist forces are moving quickly to redeploy troops from Hodeida to Maarib in order to prepare a solid defence. [...]
The Houthi rebels are taking advantage of their recognition by Bashar Al Assad's regime to conduct active diplomacy in Damascus, and to strengthen cooperation in terms of intelligence, including a 17 October meeting with the head of Syrian military intelligence, Kifah Al Melhem. [...]
As they continue to search for an impossible ceasefire in Yemen, Riyadh and Washington have given themselves until the end of the year to reach an agreement. Both capitals are relying on the mediation of Omani spymaster Mohammed Al Naamani, who is ready to talk to all parties. [...]
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