Houthi militia forcibly seizes a citizen’s home and abducts its owner in the city of Ibb.

In a troubling incident, the Houthi militia forcibly invaded a resident’s home in the city of Ibb, seizing several apartments and causing extensive damage to the property. The militia reportedly surrounded the home and abducted one of its owners.

Details of the Incident

According to human rights sources, the operation was led by “Abu Jihad,” the director of the Ibb Security Office, along with a prominent Houthi figure, Ahmed Al-Asri, the former director of the Guidance Office in the province. The attack occurred on Sunday in the Al-Dhahhar district, targeting the home of the Al-Salmi family.

Witnesses reported that the militia vandalized the house, breaking doors and rifling through belongings. They also surrounded residents and took “Mansour Mahyoub Ahmed Al-Salmi” hostage.

Seizure of Property

Sources indicate that the militia claimed one of the apartments within the home, displaying a sign for the “Great Messenger Association.” This move appears to be part of a broader strategy to justify the appropriation of private property.

The Al-Salmi family disclosed that the militia had previously seized land from them in the Al-Salbah area, fabricating charges against them. Recently, they had abducted five individuals from the family before releasing them.

Human Rights Organization Condemnation

The “Rasd” Organization for Rights and Freedoms condemned the incident and urged the militia to cease its crimes against civilians. They called for the immediate release of the abducted individual and the evacuation of the home.

In a statement received by Yemen Youth Net, the organization reported that they received a complaint from the family of “Mahboub Ali Mahyoub Al-Salmi.” The family expressed distress over the militia’s invasion, which also affected five other displaced families residing in the same building, mostly women and children.

Ongoing Concerns

The Al-Salmi family criticized Houthi leader Ahmed Al-Asri for the invasion and for placing a sign for the Great Messenger Association on the building. This tactic seems aimed at garnering community sympathy to legitimize the seizure of private property. The fate of Mansour Mahyoub Ahmed Al-Salmi remains unknown.

The organization emphasized its concern over the escalating violence in Ibb, citing an increase in abductions, killings, and property theft perpetrated by the Houthi militia. They warned the militia against continuing its crimes against the residents of the province.

Call to Action

Rasd urged the militia’s authorities to swiftly release Mansour Al-Salmi and end the siege on civilians. They also called on local and international organizations to condemn these actions, reinforcing the ethical obligations of humanitarian rights work and adherence to international laws and humanitarian principles.

This incident reflects the ongoing struggles faced by civilians in Houthi-controlled territories, highlighting the urgent need for intervention and support from the international community.

 

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