5 stories from the past 30 days · Political repression, arbitrary detention & extrajudicial violence · Yemen
An ambush killed members of Houthi-aligned forces in Aden, prompting a security escalation. Arrests have been made and weapon smuggling has been seized in Hadramawt. Government efforts to unify security agencies in Aden are ongoing.
The United Nations has condemned the detention of 73 staff members by Houthi forces, some held for up to five years. Yemeni forces have also seized an Iranian shipment allegedly bound for the Houthis containing weapons and dual-use materials.
Dangerous fireworks have become widely available in Sanaa. Accusations have been leveled at Houthi authorities for facilitating their entry and failing to enforce restrictions, despite medical warnings about risks to children and the absence of regulatory oversight.
Houthi authorities and fees have prevented Yemenis from shopping for Eid celebrations and restricted them from visiting recreational sites or engaging in basic holiday observances, according to reporting.
The Houthis have closed religious centers in Sana'a and Ibb, reflecting increasing restrictions on religious education. The closures raise concerns about threats to religious pluralism and growing social tensions in Yemen.