In Yemen’s interior, the Houthis have effectively carved out a “state-within-a-state” by creating a robust militarized and security infrastructure. A detailed report titled “Arms of Death” published by Al-Ain News reveals how this parallel military hierarchy evolved into a standalone governing authority.

Central Command

The Houthi group, following an Iranian proxy model, hollowed out state institutions and installed their own armed wings. Led by Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, the command network is built around young, ideologically loyal cadres who run independent brigades outside the official military chain of command.

Major Brigades & Roles

1. Al-Fateh Brigades

   • Now led by Brig. Gen. Hussein Al-Qahoum after the 2022 death of Mohammad Abdullah Thayil.

   • Operate across strategic border fronts.

2. Border Guard Brigades

   • Commanded by Brig. Gen. Bandar Al-Omari.

   • Deploy in Saada, Hajjah, and Al-Jawf, countering smuggling and guarding mountain passes.

3. Al-Sammad Brigades

   • Drawn from tribal and central provinces; active in Dali, Lahj, and Taiz.

4. Al-Nasr Brigades

   • Commanded by Brig. Gen. Aqil Al-Shami, ideologically driven and in charge of naval defense.

   • Recruited fishermen and youth in 2023 for coastal defense.

5. Al-Hasm Brigades

   • Led by Col. Abu-Yusuf Hamdan; based in Marib with HQ in Dhamar.

   • Features infantry, artillery, and drone units.

6. Support & Reinforcement Brigades

   • Headed by Maj. Gen. Qasim Al-Hamran; IRGC-aligned, includes ~9,000 fighters.

7. Al-Hadi Children Brigades

   • Unofficial small units of ~1,500 indoctrinated children used in combat zones.

8. Presidential Guard Brigades

   • Commanded in Sanaa by Col. Abdullah Yahya Al-Hassani with military intelligence ties.

9. West Coast Protection Brigades

   • Led by Brig. Gen. Abdullah Al-Wazeer; active in Dreimi area and coastal defense.

10. Reserve Brigades

• Run by Abdul-Khalik al-Houthi; present in Sanaa, including “Brigade of Jerusalem.”

11. Badr Brigades

• Command of Brig. Gen. Aqil Muhammad Abbas Al-Muayyed; reserve force in western Hajjah.

Analysis

This network constitutes a powerful, ideologically cohesive, IRGC-style state-within-a-state that sidelines Yemen’s official military. It relies on child soldiers, tribal recruitment, and coastal defense units to project power and reshape regional military dynamics.