Southern Escalation Against Riyadh: Calls to Adopt a “Reciprocal Deterrence Equation” in the Style of Abdul-Malik al-Houthi
Southern journalist calls for targeting Saudi headquarters in Aden, describing its presence as “arrogant occupation” following the closure of STC offices
NYN | Reports and Analyses
Southern Yemen has witnessed an escalation in political and media rhetoric toward Saudi Arabia, following calls by southern journalist Hussein Hanashi to adopt a strategy of “reciprocal response” in confronting what he described as “arrogant Saudi occupation” in the city of Aden.
Call to Adopt the “Sayyed’s Equation”
In a post published on his social media accounts, Hanashi — head of the Aden Center for Studies and Research — urged adopting a strategy similar to that announced by Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, leader of Ansar Allah. The approach is based on the principle of “banks for banks and airport for airport,” referring to a reciprocal deterrence formula in response to any Saudi targeting of Yemen.
Hanashi stated that “this country understands nothing but the language of banks for banks and airport for airport, in the Sayyed’s way,” arguing that the current phase requires attacking Saudi headquarters in Aden in response to what he described as recent escalatory measures.
Background to Tensions in Aden
These remarks come after forces affiliated with Riyadh shut down offices belonging to the Southern Transitional Councilin Aden, sparking widespread criticism among southern political and media circles.
Hanashi described the coalition headquarters in Aden as “now a target,” adding that “there is no longer a coalition, but rather an arrogant Saudi occupation,” reflecting growing resentment in some southern circles toward the Saudi role.
Signs of Coalition Fractures
These calls reflect new indications of the depth of divisions within the Riyadh-led coalition, particularly amid increasing divergences over the management of the southern issue and unannounced competition for influence within Aden.
Observers believe that the escalation of southern rhetoric against Saudi Arabia could open the door to a new phase of political and security tensions unless differences are contained through direct channels of dialogue that reorganize relations among the various active parties in the south.
