Houthi Militants Evacuate Their Headquarters in Baghdad Amid Iranian Warning and Iraqi Consensus to Avoid Escalation with the U.S.
Sources have revealed that the Houthi group was forced to vacate a strategic headquarters in Baghdad, Iraq, following a warning from Iran and a consensus within Iraq's Coordination Framework to avoid escalating tensions with the United States.
According to sources, the Houthi movement, with assistance from a Shiite party within the Coordination Framework, had opened a headquarters in an upscale district near Baghdad's Green Zone in early 2023. The headquarters prominently displayed banners and flags supporting Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi. This location also hosted commercial and media activities, which intensified after the "Flood" operation
However, following mounting international pressure and the escalation of U.S. attacks on Houthi targets, the group decided to close the headquarters. A strong warning from a Shiite faction within Iraq prompted the Houthis to comply with the closure request. Sources confirmed that the group agreed to evacuate the premises after realizing that there was a consensus among Shiite factions in Baghdad to prevent any provocative actions.
Furthermore, sources suggest that the Houthis may also close two additional headquarters in Baghdad and another southern Iraqi city due to increased pressure from the Coordination Framework. The Iraqi government previously denied reports claiming that the Houthis were operating a training camp in the El-Khalis area in Diyala Province.
On March 18, 2025, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth held talks with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani to discuss military operations targeting Houthi forces and efforts to protect U.S. trade routes and restore freedom of navigation in the region.
The Yemeni government has closely monitored the activities of Houthi-linked elements in Iraq and their potential threats to regional security. Yemeni Information Minister Muammar al-Eryani praised Iraq's concerns and urged the Iraqi government to take firm action against any Houthi political, media, or logistical activities on Iraqi soil. Eryani emphasized that Yemen trusts Iraq will not allow itself to become part of Iran's chaotic regional agenda.
Meanwhile, U.S. forces continue their airstrikes on Houthi targets in Sana'a, Sa'dah, Al-Bayda, and Al-Jawf, intensifying the ongoing military campaign against the group. U.S. President Donald Trump has vowed to completely eliminate the Houthis and warned Iran to stop supporting the group, otherwise, the U.S. will continue its aggressive stance against them.
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