Yemen's Houthis mark 8th anniversary of Sanaa takeover
In a new display of military power, the Houthis used helicopters for the first time to commemorate the 8th anniversary of their capture of Sanaa.
SANAA, Yemen — Helicopters were flying at a low altitude in the sky of Sanaa Sept. 21, a scene not witnessed by Yemenis since 2015. The helicopters, this time, were not on a military mission or transferring soldiers from one place to another; they dropped small packages containing chocolate, raisins and leaflets.
The Iran-allied Houthi group operated the helicopters to commemorate the eighth anniversary of their takeover of Sanaa. On Sept. 21, 2014, Sanaa fell to the group's fighters who were armed with Kalashnikovs and mortar shells. Today, they fly helicopters.
While the display of the helicopters uplifted the Houthi supporters at the military and civilian levels, it has deepened anger and despair among the anti-Houthi community in Yemen. The latest parade shows that the war has not exhausted the Houthis; instead, it has developed its military capabilities.
Mohammed Ali, a soldier who participated in the Houthi-organized parade in Al-Sabeen Street, told Al-Monitor that the magnitude of the military force on this anniversary celebration was unprecedented.
