Yemeni Government Supreme Military Committee 2026 Unites Anti-Houthi Forces

They've controlled the capital for a decade, but the tide is shifting. After years of dominance, the Houthi rebels are finding themselves increasingly isolated as their opponents finally find common ground. The frozen conflict that has defined Yemen since 2014 is showing signs of a major thaw, driven by a newly unified military command.

Yemeni Government Supreme Military Committee 2026: A Strategic Shift

According to Al Jazeera, President Rashad al-Alimi has announced the formation of the Supreme Military Committee (SMC). This body aims to integrate disparate anti-Houthi forces, including the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC), into the official Yemeni military. In a speech on Saturday, al-Alimi warned that the military is "preparing for the next phase" if peace talks remain stalled.

For years, Houthi success was built on the fragmentation of its enemies. However, Saudi Arabia's recent military confrontation with separatist allies in December 2025 indicates a change in Riyadh's mentality. By consolidating control over territory outside Houthi reach, the government is exuding a level of confidence not seen in years.

The Houthi Dilemma: Economic Pressure and Red Sea Risks

The potential target for a reorganised government force is the port city of Hodeidah. In 2018, international pressure halted an anti-Houthi advance on the port. Today, the context is different. Following the Houthis' recent strike campaigns in the Red Sea, the international community may be less inclined to stop a government offensive that could secure global shipping routes.

The Houthis now face a stark choice: launch a preemptive strike or trust in their ability to deter a unified government advance. With Iran facing its own economic constraints, the rebels' main benefactor may not be able to provide the same level of support as in previous years. The SMC represents the most significant conventional threat to Houthi rule in nearly a decade.