Islam Times - Sectarian tensions flare up in Sa’ada

Islam Times - Tensions in the Yemeni province of Sa’ada have mounted over the past few weeks as Salafis continue to challenge Houthi militants on their home-ground. Sa’ada has been a stronghold of the Houthis – Zaidi group led by Sheikh Abdel Malek al Houthi – for generations.

The Salafis have been running a religious campaign against the Zaidi community, bent on imposing their religious views onto the area, by force if need be.

Proud of their heritage the Houthis have been fighting for their religious freedom and the safety of their people.

Over the past few days violent confrontations have taken place on Dammaj – a city in Sa’ada -Residents have complained that shelling took place in residential areas.

On Sunday, Sheikh Alwadei opened three jihadist fronts against the Houthis.

The Houthis and their religious nemesis, the Salafis have over the past two years been increasingly at odds with one another, as each party has accused the other of trying to impose its religious vision onto the area, thus generating sectarian-based tension throughout the province.

Reports of Islamic Centres and Mosques being broken into or pillaged have been regularly reported since 2011 popular uprising, underscoring growing tensions in the highlands, a region of Yemen which has always been a bastion for Zaidis, a branch of Shiite Islam.