Coalition countries draw on ‘Giant Brigades’ to free Yemen from Houthi militias

Ali Ragab

“We tell Houthis you see our answer on the battlefield arena” is a slogan used by ‘Giant Brigades’ of the joint Yemeni forces on its Facebook page in the ongoing war against Iran-backed Houthi militias.

The Giant Brigades, backed by the Arab coalition for supporting legitimacy in Yemen, were formed in 2015. The Brigades are trained at the camps of the Yemeni army in Aden and southern cities.

The Giant Brigades comprise five brigades totaling 15,000 fighters, according to Sky News Arabia.

The Brigades use all types of arms – light and medium – Kalashnikov, mortar, rockets, armored vehicles and wireless telecommunication devices.

The Brigades are backed by the Arab coalition and trained by the UAE’s forces. The Brigades have made a number of military victories over the Houthi militias.

The Brigades freed Bab el-Mandab, Khokha, Haima seaport, Mafraq Zubaid, Tahita, Doraihamy and Al-Kilo 16 districts in Hodeidah.

The Brigades have played a key role in humanitarian relief efforts for saving Yemenis who fled their homes in in the wake of Houthi attacks. The Brigades also facilitate access to territories on the western coast and secure the way for international humanitarian agencies in Yemen.

The Brigades delivered humanitarian relief sent by the UAE Red Crescent to Yemenis in Tahita. The Brigades have a YouTube channel and other social media instruments like Twitter, Facebook and Telegram.

The Brigades are braced for a make-or-break battle to free the seaport of Hodeidah, which is a strategic city, to defeat Houthi militias.