Houthi Militias Exploit Vulnerable Groups in Sana’a and Ibb to Expand Influence

Houthi Militias Target Vulnerable Groups in Yemen

The Yemeni Network for Rights and Freedoms has reported troubling developments regarding the recruitment tactics employed by Houthi militias in impoverished neighborhoods and marginalized camps in Sana’a and Ibb. These groups are reportedly exploiting severe humanitarian conditions and a lack of basic social protections by offering food aid, financial support, and shelter in return for enlisting children and youth into military training camps.

Exploitation of Humanitarian Aid

In a statement received by the Yemeni News Agency (Saba), the network condemned the alarming practice of linking humanitarian aid to the recruitment of family members for military training or combat roles. This tactic constitutes a serious form of humanitarian extortion and directly undermines the dignity and fundamental rights of civilians. Such actions not only represent coercion and exploitation, but they also violate international laws and treaties that explicitly prohibit such behavior.

Targeting Marginalized Groups

The network further revealed that Houthi militias specifically focus on marginalized groups, particularly targeting youth and adolescents. Reports indicate that dozens have been transferred to training camps in Sana’a and Dhamar, with some subsequently deployed to combat fronts in Marib, Taiz, and other conflict zones. This recruitment strategy continues to exploit the economic and social vulnerabilities of the most at-risk populations.

Pressure and Intimidation in Ibb

In addition to recruitment efforts, the network highlighted an increase in pressure and intimidation tactics employed by the militias in Ibb, particularly within marginalized communities and camps. Families face threats of losing humanitarian assistance if they refuse to send their children to militia camps. This behavior underscores a systematic pattern of exploiting humanitarian needs for military and sectarian purposes.

Call for International Action

The Yemeni Network for Rights and Freedoms is urging the international community, including the United Nations, as well as humanitarian and human rights organizations, to condemn these forced recruitment practices targeting the most vulnerable groups in Yemen. The network calls for concerted pressure on Houthi militias to cease the exploitation of humanitarian aid for military or sectarian ends and to strengthen protections for children, marginalized groups, and the elderly in conflict areas.

For more information, visit the original article on Yemen TV.