Abu Zur'ah al-Mahrami: The man for difficult tasks in the Yemeni leadership council
The name of Abdul Rahman al-Mahrami, known as “Abu Zara’a,” stands out as one of the most influential figures in the current Yemeni equation, especially after his appointment to the Presidential Leadership Council. This rise did not come about by chance, but rather was the result of a long and decisive military career that made him, as observers describe him, “the man of the moment,” given the pivotal role played by the forces he commands in shaping the military and political landscape in Yemen.
Context of the formation of the Presidential Leadership Council
To understand the significance of al-Mahrami's role, one must go back to April 7, 2022, when former Yemeni President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi announced the transfer of his full powers to a presidential leadership council headed by Dr. Rashad al-Alimi. This historic shift was sponsored by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), with the aim of unifying the ranks opposing the Houthi group and ending the fragmentation among the various military and political forces. The council included influential figures on the ground, most notably representatives of the elite military forces, including Abu Zara'a al-Mahrami, commander of the Giants Brigades.
Giants Brigades: The Long Arm in Battles
Al-Mahrami's strength stems from his leadership of the "Giants Brigades," military formations known for their resilience and high discipline, which achieved decisive battlefield victories on Yemen's western coast, reaching as far as Hodeidah, and more recently in the Shabwa and Marib governorates. Al-Mahrami is seen as a military leader with few media appearances but a prolific field presence. His forces successfully liberated districts of Shabwa and broke the siege of Marib in record time during Operation "Southern Cyclone," shifting the balance of power and forcing the Houthis to retreat on strategic fronts.
Strategic importance and expected impact
Al-Mahrami's presence within the Presidential Leadership Council gives the council real "military teeth." The current phase in Yemen requires a delicate balance between the diplomatic track for peace and military readiness for deterrence. Al-Mahrami represents the faction that believes military pressure is the most effective way to bring the Houthis to the negotiating table in earnest. Domestically, his presence contributes to strengthening stability in the liberated southern governorates due to the significant presence of his forces there. Regionally, al-Mahrami enjoys the support and confidence of the Arab Coalition, making him a key pillar in any future security or military arrangements aimed at securing maritime routes and countering Iranian expansion in the region.
In conclusion, Abu Zara’a al-Mahrami is not just a traditional military leader, but a representative of the “decisive” approach within the corridors of the new Yemeni politics, making him indeed the man of the moment, on whom many rely to end the military and political stalemate in the country.
