The situation in Sa'ada is tense and a fifth war is about to erupt between Houthis followers, as the army and the formers are in preparation for it, following the failure of the mediation efforts.

Since last week, tribes have set up blockage checking points between Waylah and Sahar together with four other tribal checking points between Khamer city – the place where Hashid Tribes hold their conference, and Sa'ada.

Further, tribal blockage points exist in Al-Ruzzamat, Nashour and similar government checking points in Waylah and Al-Mahashimeh near Sa'ada. Thus, the governorate of Sada'a has been torn between different tribes on one hand, and authorities on the other.

A local council source told Yemen Post the situation in Sa'ada is worse as a total security disorder accompanied with administrative and financial corruption in all Sa'ada-based governmental offices. 

The source added the mediation committee will no more continue their efforts as it only achieved 20 percent of its goals, therefore, both parties are preparing for war that will leave a bad effect on the people, especially women and children.

Sensing the tense situation in the governorate, authorities halted paying the compensations allocated for war-affected citizens in Al-Ruzamat, Al-Hamazat, Noushor and other areas.

Observers fear the recent developments witnessed in Amran governorate have passively overshadowed the situation in Sa'ada, and might lead to a civil and tribal war particularly when revenge and differences have been aroused between tribes in Sa'ada.

The recent war preparations have been noticed in many war fronts. Informed sources told Yemen Post that eruption of a fifth war will leave a catastrophic effect on most Sa'ada residents, especially when each party is rearranging its tribal coalitions. There was a substantial suffer for displaced people during the fourth Sa'ada war, which was not completely halted. Further, observers consider it to be a short-term truce especially when Qatar – the party who sponsored the mediation – withdrew its representatives in charge of implementing the Sa'ada ceasefire agreement.  Meanwhile, a committee including all heads of blocs represented in the Parliament is studying the unrest dominating the southern governorates.

Clashes between Houthis and government forces have been reported and dozens were killed and injured. In their recent statements, Houthis stressed the situation should remain as it was before 2004, together with acquiring the legal rights and treating the situation in a peaceful manner, and away from arrogance and mistrust.

Media sources mentioned last week that Houthis are ready for the war described by them as far-reaching. They noted saying they have a new military plan to dominate all Sa'ada areas and further block the land provisions and extend war to neighboring areas and governorates in only days.

Army accounts

Army and security sources reported no violations except for last week when Houthi followers besieged Al-Showiah police station in Khamer district. Both parties exchanged fire, killing one person and injuring three others.

GPC and JMP accounts

General People Congress and Joint Meeting Parties have been in wide difference over political reforms and forming the Supreme Commission for Elections and Referendum, along with treating the congestions in the southern governorates while ignoring what is happening in Sa'ada. Some coverage of papers for the events has contributed to the tense situation.

President Saleh's stance

President Saleh has said nothing concerning the violations of Sa'ada ceasefire agreement, and the only promise he made was his release of 500 prisoners connected with Sa'ada events. Following a meeting with Zaidi scholars; however, the promise was not been fully practiced upon for unknown reasons. For the last month, he has been preoccupied with the events in Southern governorates. 

Saudi account

During the meetings of the Yemeni-Saudi Coordination Council, the Saudi side praised the Yemeni efforts aiming to terminate the sedition and control the situation in Sa'ada. The praise for Yemeni efforts aiming to rid of Houthis was announced by Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz.

Observers assure that internalizing the Sa'ada issue will heave behind bad consequences upon the country's economy and Sa'ada residents. With whatever support the Yemeni authorities receive, they will be unable to cover for war costs incurred on the Yemeni budget, let alone human losses.