Houthi militia kidnaps ten individuals in Ibb, including the goalkeeper coach of the Shabab Ibb football team.

On Thursday, protests erupted in Ibb Governorate as residents voiced their opposition to Houthi attempts to seize investments from the Ibb Sports Club. In a troubling escalation, Houthi militias kidnapped ten individuals who participated in these demonstrations.

Violence Against Demonstrators

Local sources report that the Houthi forces responded violently to the protests, firing live ammunition to disperse the crowd. The kidnappings occurred at the entrance of the Ibb Sports Club and the nearby vegetable wholesale market, where demonstrators had gathered to express their dissent.

Prominent Figures Among the Kidnapped

Among those abducted is Captain Ahmed Rami, a former goalkeeper for the Ibb Sports Club and the current goalkeeping coach. Additionally, three local traders were taken hostage after they resisted the closure of the wholesale market, which the Houthis aimed to relocate to a site controlled by a Houthi leader.

Widespread Outrage in the Sports Community

The kidnapping of Captain Rami has sparked significant outrage within the sports community. Many have called for his immediate release and threatened to escalate their protests if the demands for the release of all kidnapped individuals are not met. Activists are also urging an end to the Houthi attempts to seize control over the Ibb Sports Club’s investments.

As tensions continue to rise in Ibb, the situation remains fluid, with the community standing firm against Houthi aggression. The outcome of these protests could have lasting implications for local governance and civil rights in the region.

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