Military sources revealed growing tensions within Houthi ranks in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, following the appointment of Major General Yusuf Hassan al-Madani as Chief of Staff, succeeding Major General Mohammed Abdul Karim al-Ghamari, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike in August.

According to the sources, Major General Yahya Abdullah al-Razami, commander of the Hamdan Axis, rejected the appointment, describing it as “an Iranian-imposed decision within the group,” and threatened to storm the Ministry of Defense if the decision is enforced.

 Rising Military Tensions

The sources confirmed that large reinforcements belonging to Razami’s faction have been deployed from Hamdan and Saada toward Sanaa over the past two days, with forces now stationed around the Ministry of Defense — a move seen as a prelude to possible internal conflict.

 Al-Madani, “The Architect of Wars”

Yusuf al-Madani, often referred to as “The Architect of Wars”, is known for his close ties with Iranian commanders and Hezbollah. The U.S. Treasury Department designated him as a terrorist in 2021 for his role in directing Houthi military operations.

 Deep Divisions Within the Houthis

The death of al-Ghamari — regarded as the de facto military leader of the Houthis — created a leadership vacuum and heightened internal rivalries between the Sanaa and Saada factions. Analysts believe Razami’s defiance signals a widening rift over Iranian influence within the group’s command structure.

 Potential Consequences

Observers warn that these internal disputes could undermine the Houthis’ battlefield coordination and destabilize Sanaa, while leadership circles are reportedly attempting to defuse the crisis through tribal and security mediation to prevent open confrontation.