Yemen: The rise of Saudi-backed Salafi commanders

Yemen: The rise of Saudi-backed Salafi commanders Submitted by MEE correspondent on Mon, 05/11/2026 - 10:46 Having played a key role in the conflict against the Houthis and separatists in southern governorates, Salafis now hold significant positions as military leaders in Yemen Fighters said to be backed by the Saudi-led coalition drive through the streets of the port city of Aden on 8 January 2026, the day after it was announced that Yemen's separatist leader had fled to the United Arab Emirates (AFP/file photo) Off With his long beard and traditional Yemeni attire, wearing a mawaz (a sarong-like garment worn by men), Gawed, 43, used to travel between mosques in Lahj governorate, proselytising and teaching people about his interpretation of Islam. The purpose of his work was to encourage Yemenis to follow religious guidance that remained strictly detached from politics. This was the approach he learned from Salafi leaders like Muqbil al-Wadi'i, who was educated in Saudi Arabia before establishing the Salafi centre in Dammaj, Saada, in the 1980s.