Many in the region worry that the Houthis will discriminate against them further. AQAP is firmly rooted in this region as well, implying the possibility that local residents will seek its help in defending against an expected Houthi onslaught.
1994年的内战让北方人控制了也门的大部分政治机构，此后，南方的逊尼派就一直被边缘化。该地区的许多人担心胡塞运动分子会更加歧视他们。AQAP也在该地区根基深厚，这意味着当地居民可能寻求AQAP的帮助以抵抗预料中的胡塞运动突击。