The Houthi militia has intensified its campaign against citizens celebrating the 62nd anniversary of the September 26 Revolution in Ibb Governorate. Local sources indicate that on Friday and Thursday, the militia conducted mass abductions, targeting dozens of individuals across various districts in Ibb.
Details of the Abductions
Sources report that Houthi forces raided homes in the city of Ibb and surrounding areas, detaining individuals who had set off fireworks in celebration. Among those abducted were children under the age of ten. The militia also stopped children and women carrying national flags in their vehicles, taking them to security facilities for interrogation.
Since Wednesday evening, the Houthis have reportedly abducted over 150 people in Ibb and several nearby districts. Most of those detained are young men and boys under eighteen. On Thursday, the militia kidnapped four children near the Jar’an market in Ibb for chanting patriotic slogans. Other detainees included individuals who raised national flags, such as Ayyam Saddam Al-Haddad, Shadi Al-Sulahi, Abdul Rahman Al-Badani, Mohammad Nazim Al-Badani, Abdul Wahid Al-Qadi, Luay Naaman Rajeh, Omar Al-Barq, and Mohammad Najib.
Targeting Families and Schoolchildren
The militia’s crackdown also affected children from the Al-Shabibi family, who were on a bus in Ibb carrying national flags. Houthi forces intercepted their vehicle and took them to a police station. Additionally, they stopped vehicles with women and children on the 16th line west of Ibb, detaining them for similar reasons.
In the Jibla district, the Houthi militia continues its abduction campaign, which has affected dozens of individuals. Reports indicate that among those taken are Khaled Nabil Al-Wahid, 13, Saddam Mutai Ali, 12, and Mohammad Mutai Ali, 14, all from the Al-Haythja village in Jibla. Three other individuals from the Al-Awarid village in the same district were also detained.
Further Abductions in Nearby Areas
In the Badaan district, the militia has kidnapped dozens of individuals in connection with the celebrations, including eight from the Al-Dhais area, who now face imprisonment in local jails. The neighboring Riff Ibb district has also seen similar actions, with reports of 18 individuals, including three local leaders, abducted during the anniversary celebrations.
In another incident, the militia detained six teachers from the Imam Al-Bukhari Complex in the Al-Yahari area after they prepared a school broadcast about the September Revolution.
In the Al-Sayani district, Houthi forces disrupted a wedding celebration in the Dhamna Nakhlan area, abducting several young men who were dancing to a patriotic song. Among those taken were Mohammad Adam Al-Hindi and Khair Allah Hashim Al-Hindi.
Community Defiance Amid Crackdown
Despite the oppressive measures taken by the Houthi militia, residents of Ibb Governorate showed resilience. Citizens celebrated the anniversary from their rooftops and elevated areas, lighting bonfires and launching fireworks. They shared their celebrations on social media, defying the militia’s attempts to suppress their expression of national pride.
As the situation continues to develop, the community remains alert to the ongoing threats posed by the Houthi militia, while also demonstrating their commitment to commemorating their national history.
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