Hodeidah: Houthi campaign targets farmers in Al-Mahrawa, coercing them to pay financial levies.
Houthi Militia Attacks Farmers in Al-Mahra District, Al-Hudaydah
Farmers in the Al-Mahra district of Al-Hudaydah have reported violent assaults on their properties by a militia group affiliated with the Houthi movement. Local sources indicate that these attacks have created a climate of fear among residents.
Ongoing Assaults and Intimidation
According to eyewitness accounts, a militia campaign consisting of multiple armed vehicles and dozens of fighters from the Houthi Zakat Authority has been sweeping through the villages of Al-Doum, Al-Masabi, and Al-Anakda for several days. The militia has targeted farmers within their fields and homes, leading to widespread panic among the local population.
Coercive Financial Demands
The militia has reportedly forced residents to pay hefty sums under the guise of “zakat” (charity). Furthermore, they have demanded payments for previous years, exacerbating the already difficult living conditions faced by the community.
Kidnappings and Forced Agreements
Sources reveal that the Houthi campaign has also resulted in the abduction of several farmers who could not afford the demanded payments. These individuals were taken to police stations controlled by the militia, where they were coerced into signing agreements to pay the extorted fees.
Ongoing Presence and Community Fear
The militia continues to maintain a presence at the entrances of villages and farms, restricting the movement of residents. This ongoing situation raises concerns about the potential escalation of these violations.
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