Security Tension in Sana’a: Houthi Leaders Under Surveillance Amid Fears of Foreign Intelligence Infiltration

The Yemeni capital Sana’a is witnessing heightened internal security tension within the Iran-backed Houthi group, amid growing fears of foreign intelligence breaches involving returning figures from Arab capitals — most notably Muscat.

According to sources cited by al-Mashhad al-Yemeni, Houthi security and intelligence agencies have imposed strict surveillance measures on several senior members who recently returned to Yemen. The group reportedly suspects that some of them may have been pressured or recruited by regional or international intelligence during the recent Iranian-Israeli conflict.

Sources indicate that the Houthis are particularly concerned that sensitive information related to their internal security structure and military coordination with Tehran may have been compromised. These concerns come in the wake of deadly strikes on Iranian military and nuclear sites.

In addition to fears of espionage, the group is also increasingly wary of political divisions, especially with the emergence of a faction reportedly encouraged by Oman, advocating for a more conciliatory stance contrary to the hardline Revolutionary Guard-affiliated leadership.

Since mid-June, the Houthis have intensified internal inspections and imposed restrictions on members who travel abroad. The group has also called for a “review of ideological loyalty,” signaling growing anxiety over potential infiltration and internal collapse.

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