HOUTHIS POISED TO SCRAP SALEH ALLIANCE

▶ Rebels call state of emergency and ban gatherings to celebrate 35th anniversary of ex-president’s party

Yemen’s Houthi rebels have declared a state of emergency in Sanaa and issued a ban on gatherings to mark the 35th anniversary of former president Ali Abdullah Saleh’s political party.

The rebel movement issued a written statement on Tuesday night entitled “Facing escalation with escalation”, warning supporters of the General People’s Congress party to avoid congregating in public places.

Residents now fear clashes could break out ahead of a rally organised by the party for today, the anniversary.

Dr Anwar Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, said that “the GPC will face a historic test tomorrow in Al Sabeen Square in Sanaa. Saleh’s decision to undo the insurgency will be a decision for the future of Yemen”.

The Houthis look poised to break off their relations with Mr Saleh.

The Iran-backed rebels had formed a political and military alliance with the former president and renegade soldiers loyal to him, against the internationally recognised government of Yemeni president Abdrabu Mansur Hadi.

Yesterday they also warned Mr Saleh – until now their main ally in the country’s war – that he would “bear the consequences” after calling the Shiite rebels “militias”.

One of their leaders, Mohammed Ali Al Houthi, demanded that Mr Saleh apologise for the comments.

“What Saleh said went beyond a red line that could have happened only because he was besieged by evil, deposed from every evil and patriotism, religion, customs and ancestors disguised as a river of holy blood,” the Houthis said.

“The dignity of the blood of our comrades, the martyrs and the wounded, refuses to remain silent or to sleep peacefully.”

Local sources said the presence of armed supporters from both sides has intensified across Sanaa since the Houthis’ statement on Tuesday.

It came after a meeting between the Houthi leadership and members of various political parties.

The marriage of convenience between the Houthis and Mr Saleh appeared to have fractured this week after speeches from both sides accused the other of jeopardising their partnership.

Rebel chief Abdul Malik Al Houthi and Mr Saleh exchanged mutual accusations of back-stabbing in televised addresses.

Tension has been rising for days in the Yemeni capital, which is jointly controlled by the two parties.

The Saleh-Houthis relationships was one of convenience. The former foes fought six wars in five years during Mr Saleh’s reign.

Abdul Malik Al Houthi’s brother Hussein, the founder of the Houthi movement, was killed by Mr Saleh’s troops.

Yemen’s war, which pits the Saudi-backed government against the Saleh-Houthi alliance, has claimed thousands of lives since 2015 and pushed the country to the brink of famine.