The southern Giants Brigades have imposed a new equation in the fight against the Iran-backed Houthi militias in Yemen. The Houthis have grown terrified of the Brigades that have dealt them a series of blows in the years-long conflict.
The Houthis were defeated by the Brigades in Hodeidah after three years of fighting.
The Brigades are sometimes described as the "barbarians of the desert and coast" because of their fierce fighting. They advance steadily and maintain their gains, before spreading terror in the hearts of enemies miles away, according to Yemenis.
The Giants Brigades is formed of dozens of highly trained units, whose members are known for their high discipline and accurate execution of military plans. The most important trait of the Brigades is its loyalty and sacrifices, one of its members told Asharq Al-Awsat.
The Giants Brigades was formed before the launch of the operation to liberate Hodeidah in 2018. It has since been achieving major victories, such as breaching Hodeidah city. It was only three kilometers from claiming its vital port before the operation was halted due to international and United Nations pressure.
Ahmed al-Haushabi, a member of the Brigades, said the units set themselves apart from other military formations in the country with their "dedication and sacrifices to the nation and firm determination to liberate the territories in spite of the treacherous terrain and snipers."
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat from the frontlines of the battle against the Houthis in the Shabwah province, al-Haushabi said: "We have achieved victories with the grace of God, as well as the support of the Saudi-led Arab coalition and United Arab Emirates."
"Were it not for our brothers in the coalition, these victories would not have been possible," he stressed.
Observers also believe that the Giants Brigades set themselves apart from other formations because their leaders are present at the frontlines against the Houthis, willing to sacrifice themselves before other members.
The Brigades have lost several senior leaders during the fighting to liberate the Shabwah province, including Majdi Abou Harb al-Radfani, commander of the Giants' 3rd Brigade.
The government forces had last week liberated Shabwah from the Houthis.
Asharq Al-Awsat toured the positions of the Giants Brigades, witnessing firsthand their high morale. Its members vowed that they will pursue the last remaining members of the Houthis, all the way to the Maran Mountains in the Saada province - the militias' stronghold.
"We will chase them down all the way to Saada. We will liberate Marib and al-Bayda and then reach Sanaa. Nothing will stand in our way," one member of the 3rd Brigade declared confidently.
Another member, Fuad Shayef said the Houthis are "defeated" and are frightened to show up to battle.
He explained to Asharq Al-Awsat: "They have nothing but betrayal and deceit. They only use rockets or drones and they run away from the fighting."
"The Giants Brigades only know victory, which will be achieved. We have offered martyrs and we do not fear dying for the nation," he said proudly.
